Alysa Liu wins Olympic gold in Milan as first US woman champion since 2002

Alysa Liu claims Olympic gold in Milan despite saying she was not focused on medals

Alysa Liu has won Olympic gold in women’s figure skating in Milan, becoming the first US woman to claim the title in more than two decades.

The 20-year-old topped the podium after a free skate set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite”, delivering a clean programme that placed her firmly in first position for the remainder of the evening. Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto secured silver, while Ami Nakai took bronze.

Liu had said earlier in the week that she was not motivated by medals and reiterated that stance after her victory. “I don't need this,” she said of the gold medal. “But what I needed was the stage, and I got that, so I was all good no matter what happened.”

She added that even mistakes would not have diminished her enjoyment of the occasion. “If I fell on every jump, I would still be wearing this dress,” she said, referring to her updated competition costume.

Liu described feeling “calm, happy and confident” on the ice. She said she drew energy from family and friends in the stands, explaining: “I had to put on a show for them!”

The win marks her second Olympic appearance, having finished sixth in Beijing before stepping away from the sport at 16. She returned in 2024 and went on to become world champion in 2025. In Milan, she leaves with two gold medals, having also contributed to the team event victory.

Asked what message her achievement might send, Liu said: “I guess it's doing stuff that people tell you you shouldn't do. I've been doing a lot of that.”

Team-mate Amber Glenn finished fifth overall after a strong free skate, while Isabeau Levito placed 12th.