Additional Coverage:
- Alysa Liu not only won gold — she did it on her terms (nbcnews.com)
Alysa Liu Skates Her Own Way to Gold, Ending 18-Year Drought for U.S. Women
MILAN – Alysa Liu, who famously stepped away from competitive figure skating in 2022 to embrace a “normal” life, has made a triumphant return to the ice, securing a gold medal in the women’s single skating event. Her victory marks a significant milestone, as she is the first American woman to medal in the event since 2006 and the first to claim gold since 2002.
Liu’s win is particularly remarkable given her journey back to the sport, on her own terms. “Being able to do it my way on the big stage like this has been my dream,” Liu shared, beaming with her gold medal around her neck.
“And I got to do it in my tour. I got to do it in the team event, and I got to do it tonight for the free skate, and I’m going to do it again for the Olympic Gala.
I’m just, like, over the moon. I’m the luckiest girl ever.
And I’m really grateful.”
Her performance in the free skate was nothing short of electrifying, captivating the audience with gasps of awe and thunderous cheers. Liu opened with a dazzling triple flip and brought the house down with a seamless transition from a triple loop into an effortless spin, perfectly synchronized with her upbeat music.
Throughout her routine, Liu’s megawatt smile was a constant, culminating in a joyous hair flip as she struck her final pose. It was a quintessential Liu performance, blending brilliant athleticism with sheer elation.
When asked about the source of her palpable joy on the ice, Liu explained, “The thing is, what I like to share about myself is, my story, my art and my creative process. And I guess messing up doesn’t take away from that.
It’s still something. It’s still a story.
You know, a bad story is still a story. And I think that’s beautiful.
So there’s no way to lose.”
Fellow skater Amber Glenn, affectionately known as a “Blade Angel” alongside Liu, expressed immense pride. “I’m so proud of her. The message that this is going to send to young athletes and parents alike that if you consider your mental health and treat it right, great things can happen.”
Liu’s ability to connect with the audience through her passionate skating was evident. Her coach, Philip DiGuglielmo, highlighted this unique quality, noting, “What she does is she somehow, through her performance, invites you not just to be a spectator, but you are becoming an active participant in her performance.
She pulls you out there on the ice with her. She skates with abandon, like it isn’t the most important part of her life.”
DiGuglielmo, confident in her readiness, texted after her win that “she does that program that way everyday in practice. When you are that prepared you can go out with confidence.”
Liu’s initial retirement in 2022 stemmed from a desire to experience life beyond the rink, having dedicated her years from 5 to 16 almost entirely to skating. She longed for family time, friendships, and the freedom to make her own choices, even down to the dresses she wore. Her return was driven not by obligation, but by a renewed passion for the sport.
On Thursday, Liu’s gold medal performance was a testament to this pure joy, with her family cheering her on and her chosen dress sparkling under the lights. When asked about her future plans, Liu emphasized staying in the moment, embracing her status as a gold-medal figure skater.
“I’m looking forward to every moment,” she said. “But I’m present right now.”
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- Alysa Liu not only won gold — she did it on her terms (nbcnews.com)