Breaking now from Milan-Cortina: Alysa Liu has just captured gold in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 20-year-old American superstar delivered a jaw-dropping free skate to surge from third place and claim the top spot on February 19, 2026. This victory ends a long wait for U.S. fans—Alysa Liu becomes the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the event since 2002.

Alysa Liu entered the free skate trailing after some short program errors, including an under-rotated triple Lutz. But she turned it around big time. Skating in a sparkly gold dress to a Donna Summer track, Alysa Liu nailed every element for a free skate score of 150.20 points. Her total came in at 226.79, putting her well ahead of the field.

Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto took silver, finishing about 17 points back despite a strong final routine to Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien.” Ami Nakai earned bronze for Japan, while teammate Mone Chiba placed fourth. American Amber Glenn climbed to fifth after starting way back in 13th. Alysa Liu’s technical difficulty outshone others, earning her the edge.

This gold for Alysa Liu marks a huge comeback story. She had stepped away from the sport at 16 after the Beijing 2022 Games but returned stronger, even grabbing the world title last year. Now, at 20, Alysa Liu adds Olympic glory to her resume—the first U.S. women’s singles medal since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006.

Crowds gave Alysa Liu a massive standing ovation, and teammates like Amber Glenn rushed to celebrate. In post-skate moments, Alysa Liu beamed, saying her performance was “everything I wanted” and joking, “That’s what I’m f—ing talking about.” She later reflected it was her dream to compete freely on this stage.

As an independent journalist who’s covered countless big moments, I can tell you this Alysa Liu win lights up Team USA after some tough results elsewhere in figure skating. It’s a feel-good headline grabbing attention coast to coast today, February 20, 2026. Stay tuned for more as the Games roll on.