Alysa Liu wins gold for U.S. in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics

Alysa Liu won a gold medal in women’s individual figure skating on Thursday, making her the first U.S. woman to take the Olympic podium in the event since 2006.  

The last American woman to earn a medal in individual figure skating was Sasha Cohen, who took home the silver in 2006. Sarah Hughes was the last American woman to take home a gold medal, in 2002. Michelle Kwan also won a bronze medal at those Olympics. The United States took gold in the team skating event earlier in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Liu, 20, started the free skate competition in third place, behind Japan’s Nakai Ami and Sakamoto Kaori, following the short program on Tuesday. Isabeau Levito, 18, was in eighth place, while Amber Glenn, 26, was in 13th place after an error in her short program.

Glenn was the first U.S. skater to take the ice for her free skate. After failing to complete a triple loop on Tuesday, her score going into the free skate was 67.39. During Thursday’s skate, she nailed a triple axel, though she had to catch herself with her hand after nearly falling during her final loop. She scored 147.52, for a total score of 214.91. 

Photos captured Glenn embracing her coach after her skate. Glenn looked visibly thrilled, smiling and jumping for joy. Despite entering the free skate in 13th place, she was at the top of the leaderboard for much of the event, finally being unseated by Japanese skater Mone Chiba.  

Liu praised Glenn’s pop-scored comeback in a brief interview with an NBC Olympics correspondent.  

“She did so good. I watched it on the bus on the way here, and aw, she killed it, and I’m really happy for her,” Liu said. 

Levito, 18, was the next U.S. woman to skate. She took the ice with a score of 70.84 from her short program. She fell on the landing of her opening triple flip, losing nine points, but recovered to skate through the rest of her routine.

Levito looked disappointed after leaving the ice, even as Glenn cheered for her. She also appeared emotional as her score of 131.96 was read out. Levito racked up a total score of 202.80. 

Liu was the final U.S. competitor and the third-to-last skater overall. She looked at ease during her warmup, waving to spectators as she rehearsed. She entered the rink with a score of 76.59 after her carefree short program. Liu looked casual and energetic during her free skate, sailing through a triple lutz and triple salchow. She had a broad smile on her face throughout the event, and the crowd roared every time she landed a jump. 

Liu looked particularly at ease during her choreographic step sequences, and ended the routine triumphantly as her family rose for a standing ovation. 

Liu’s score was 150.20, for a total score of 226.79. 

“That’s what the f*** I’m talking about!” she shouted to the camera after finishing her skate. She bounced off the ice to hug her coaches and could be heard saying, “That was so great!” as they handed her her skate guards. Glenn and Liu were also seen hugging.