Alysa Liu: The Return of the Prodigy at the 2026 Winter Olympics

MILAN, 17 February 2026 — As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games enter their eleventh day, all eyes at the Mediolanum Forum are fixed on Alysa Liu. The 20-year-old American, who once walked away from the sport at the height of her teenage fame, has completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in figure skating history. Today, Tuesday, 17 February, Liu begins her quest for individual Olympic glory in the women’s short program, carrying the momentum of a team gold medal and a reigning world title.

A Golden Start in Milan

Liu has already made headlines during the first week of these Games. As a vital member of the United States squad, she helped secure the gold medal in the figure skating team event. However, the victory was not without its “Olympic” quirks; Liu recently shared on social media that her gold medal had actually broken shortly after the ceremony, jokingly posting that her “medal don’t need the ribbon.”

Beyond the hardware, Liu has become a viral sensation for her “striped” blonde-and-brown hairstyle, which she revealed carries personal significance as she embraces a more authentic, less conventional approach to her second Olympic appearance.

The Road from Retirement to Reigning Champion

Liu’s journey to Milan has been anything but linear. After placing sixth at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and winning a World bronze medal that same year, she stunned the skating world by announcing her retirement at just 16 years old. She cited a desire to experience life outside the rigorous confines of elite training.

The hiatus lasted nearly two years. In March 2024, following a winter break ski trip, Liu announced her return to competitive skating. Since then, her ascent has been meteoric:

• 2025 World Champion: Liu reclaimed her spot at the top of the podium, proving her technical skills remained world-class.
• 2025 Grand Prix Final Champion: She solidified her status as the Olympic favourite by winning the prestigious year-end event.
• 2026 U.S. National Championships: Although she finished second overall last month, she set a record for the highest U.S. national women’s short program score (81.11).

Technical Mastery and History-Making Milestones

Alysa Liu has been a “history maker” since she first stepped onto the national stage. At age 13, she became the youngest woman ever to win the U.S. senior title. Her career is defined by technical “firsts” for American women, including being the first to land both a triple Axel and a quadruple jump in the same program.

Alysa Liu: Career Profile

The “Blade Angels” and the Fight for Gold

Liu leads a formidable American trio in Milan, nicknamed the “Blade Angels,” alongside Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito. The stakes are high: the United States has not won an Olympic gold medal in the women’s individual event since Sarah Hughes in 2002. Liu’s primary competition today comes from Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, setting up a high-stakes showdown in the short program.

Despite the pressure, Liu appears relaxed. In interviews leading up to today’s event, she noted that she is “rejecting conventional wisdom” regarding Olympic stress, choosing instead to focus on the artistry and joy of skating that she rediscovered during her time away from the rink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Alysa Liu retire in 2022?

Liu retired at age 16 shortly after the 2022 World Championships, stating she had accomplished her goals in the sport and wanted to spend more time with family and pursue a life outside of competitive skating.

When did Alysa Liu return to skating?

She officially announced her comeback in March 2024, returning to international competition for the 2024–25 season.

What is Alysa Liu’s record in the short program?

During the 2026 U.S. Championships, Liu set a new national record with a short program score of 81.11.

Has Alysa Liu won an Olympic medal?

Yes. As of February 2026, she is an Olympic gold medalist in the team event. She is currently competing for a medal in the individual women’s event.