Alysa Liu Emerges as Team USA’s Final Hope for Figure Skating Gold at Milan Cortina Olympics
MILAN, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold at Milan Cortina, American figure skater Alysa Liu has risen as the sole contender for an individual gold medal in women’s figure skating, following a series of disappointing results for Team USA. On Tuesday night, Liu delivered a stunning short program that featured a triple Lutz-triple loop combination—the most difficult ever attempted by a woman at this stage of Olympic competition—propelling her into medal contention.
In a field dominated by fierce international rivals, Liu’s performance placed her just two points behind the leader, Japan’s Ami Nakai, and closely trailing her compatriot Kaori Sakamoto. The triple Lutz-triple loop, a jump combination that demands exceptional technical skill and precision, underscored Liu’s status as the reigning world champion and a formidable presence on the ice.
“I am really happy about how I skated,” Liu said after the competition, visibly energized by the support of her family and friends in the stands. Her poise and athleticism have become a beacon of hope for the U.S. figure skating team, which has struggled to secure individual medals in this Olympic cycle.
The significance of Liu’s achievement extends beyond her personal success. It comes at a time when American figure skating faces intense competition from nations with strong traditions in the sport. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) continues to back Liu’s journey, recognizing her as a key athlete in the quest to reclaim American prominence on the ice. More broadly, the Olympics themselves are overseen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which ensures the highest standards of competition and fairness.
While the U.S. team’s earlier performances have fallen short of expectations, Liu’s technical mastery and competitive spirit have reignited enthusiasm among fans and officials alike. The Team USA organization has highlighted Liu’s routine as a highlight of the Games, emphasizing the importance of her role in maintaining American visibility in the sport.
Figure skating’s scoring system, governed by the International Skating Union (ISU), rewards both technical difficulty and artistic execution. Liu’s triple Lutz-triple loop combination not only demonstrated technical prowess but also contributed to a program that balanced athleticism with artistry, a combination that judges have increasingly valued.
As the competition progresses toward the free skate, Liu’s position near the top of the leaderboard positions her as a serious contender for the gold medal. Her performance has drawn comparisons to past American champions who have combined technical innovation with competitive resilience.
With the eyes of the nation and the skating world upon her, Alysa Liu embodies the determination and skill that define Olympic excellence. Her journey reflects the broader narrative of Team USA’s efforts to regain footing in a sport that demands both grace and grit at the highest level.
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