Alysa Liu’s comeback ends in gold.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, American Alysa Liu won the gold medal in women's figure skating, marking the first American medal in the event since 2006. Liu, who previously retired at 16 and returned to the sport, secured the victory by landing seven triple jumps in her free skate. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, took silver, while 17-year-old Ami Nakai of Japan, who led after the short program, earned the bronze. American Amber Glenn, after a disappointing short program, rebounded to finish fifth overall. The competition showcased a high level of skill, with skaters attempting challenging jumps like the triple Axel.

Alysa Liu is representing the United States in the women's free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The event is the concluding competition for women's figure skating. The article includes photos of Liu competing in the short program on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Other skaters featured in photos are Ami Nakai, Kaori Sakamoto, and Mone Chiba of Japan, and Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete. The photos also show Sakamoto competing in the team event on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Liu is carrying the US's medal hopes in the competition.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the women's figure skating short program saw Japan's 17-year-old Ami Nakai take the lead with a strong performance including a triple Axel. Fellow Japanese skater and favorite, Kaori Sakamoto, skating in her final competition, secured second place. American Alysa Liu, after a brief retirement, finished third. Another American, Amber Glenn, landed a triple Axel but struggled later in her program, placing her in 12th. The event is notable for the increasing difficulty of jumps, particularly the triple Axel, and the American team's pursuit of their first medal in women's figure skating since 2006.