UCLA Star Alysa Liu Shines at Olympics
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates with the gold medal in the women’s free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu took home gold in a shocking result after two amazing performances, dethroning three star Japanese skaters who surrounded her at the top.
Liu was graceful and purposeful on the ice on both Tuesday and Thursday, skating in a carefree, creative manner.
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The 20-year-old UCLA student, who is studying psychology, dropped out of figure skating after experiencing burnout at 16.
She retired following her 2022 Beijing Olympics appearance, but after taking time to reassess her mental health, she rediscovered her passion and returned to skating in 2024.
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates with the gold medal in the women’s free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Early in her career, Liu was a prodigy, becoming the youngest U.S. champion in history at 13, though she returned to the sport without the pressure of expectations, preferring to share her performances with the world.
“I really despised skating,” she said. “Through time, I realized it doesn’t have to be like that. Whether I beat them or not is not my goal. My goal is just to do my programs and share my story.”
Liu proudly represents her hometown of Oakland, but on Thursday, she represented so much more — an entire nation.
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She became the first American woman to win a gold medal in women’s single competition since Sarah Hughes, who did it on home soil in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Funnily enough, Michelle Kwan also won a medal during those Olympics, a former UCLA Bruin in her own right.
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