Alysa Liu’s Golden Moment at the Milan Cortina Games
In a stunning performance, Alysa Liu won the U.S. its first gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Olympics since 2002. Skating in a dazzling gold dress, she wowed the crowd with her nearly perfect free skate, finishing with a score of 226.79 points. This achievement overshadowed strong competitors from Japan, Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, who scored 224.90 and 219.16 points, respectively.
Liu’s journey to this moment is remarkable. After finishing sixth at the Beijing Olympics four years ago, she stepped away from the sport, citing burnout. During her time off, she explored life beyond the rink—climbing to Mount Everest’s base camp and starting her studies in psychology at UCLA. A skiing trip reignited her passion for skating, leading her to make a comeback filled with a new sense of joy and confidence.
On this special night, Liu skated like someone who had rediscovered her love for the sport. Even before her routine, she appeared relaxed, flashing a smile during warm-ups. When her score was announced, her teammate Amber Glenn celebrated enthusiastically, sharing a heartfelt moment with Liu.
This victory marks a significant milestone for American women in figure skating. Since Sarah Hughes won gold in Salt Lake City, the team has experienced a long wait for Olympic gold. Liu not only captured this coveted title but also contributed to the U.S. team’s gold medal earlier in the Games.
Liu’s triumph is not just about her skills but also her growth. As the youngest U.S. champion at just 13, she has evolved into a more self-assured skater. Her training and support from coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali played vital roles in her journey.
In the competition, Amber Glenn made a strong comeback after a rocky start, finishing fifth. This was a testament to the resilience of these athletes, with Glenn scoring 214.91 points in her best performance of the season.
Another noteworthy moment involved Adeliia Petrosian, an 18-year-old Russian competing as a neutral athlete. She attempted a challenging quadruple jump but landed awkwardly. The pressure of the moment showcased the high stakes of Olympic competition, where every point counts.
In Liu’s final performance, her grace and technical skill shone through. Completing her routine set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” she captured not only the audience’s admiration but also a coveted Olympic title, ending a long drought for American women in figure skating.
This victory reflects a growing trend in sports where athletes emphasize mental and emotional well-being alongside competitive excellence. As Liu’s journey shows, sometimes stepping back allows one to come back stronger, more focused, and ready to shine.
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