Alysa Liu is the 2026 Olympic champion in figure skating, marking a remarkable comeback. After stepping away from the sport for over two years post-2022 Beijing Olympics, she returned stronger than ever. Liu’s victory makes her the first U.S. woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
Liu expressed her joy after winning, saying, “I’m very happy with how I skated. Hearing the cheers made me feel so connected with the audience.” Her free spirit is a big part of her charm, but her technical skills also played a crucial role in her success.
At just 13, Liu became a U.S. champion and was known for landing difficult jumps such as the triple axel and quad, becoming a prodigy in the sport. However, at 16, she surprised many by retiring. A spark drew her back to skating after two years, leading her to win the World Championships shortly after her return.
She took a narrow lead over Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion who gave an elegant performance. Sakamoto made a few small errors, which cost her the top spot. After the event, she was emotional, hinting that this season might be her last.
In third place was Ami Nakai, just 17 years old, who impressively made her Olympic debut. Despite a drop in rank during the free skate, she maintained enough of a lead to secure bronze.
Amber Glenn also shone brightly, jumping from 13th to 5th overall. In her free skate, she delivered a nearly flawless performance, only slightly marred by a minor mistake. “I’m so proud of the resilience I showed,” she said, reflecting on her challenges and triumphs throughout the season.
The atmosphere was electric, with intense emotions from both the athletes and the crowd. Liu’s victory and the performances from her competitors captured a significant moment in Olympic history. With Liu back on the ice, it seems that the future of U.S. figure skating is bright, inspiring a new generation of skaters.
According to a recent survey, interest in figure skating has surged among younger fans, highlighting the sport’s bright future. As Liu continues her journey, she stands as a beacon of hope and determination in the world of sports.
For more insights on figure skating, visit the official Olympic website or major sports news outlets.
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