Alyssa Liu Wins First U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Gold in 24 Years
Updated (2 articles)
Liu’s Gold Breaks Two‑Decade Drought Alyssa Liu, 20, delivered a near‑flawless free skate to earn 226.79 points and capture the women’s individual figure‑skating gold, the first for an American woman since Sarah Hughes in 2002, ending a 24‑year Olympic gold drought for the United States[1][2]. She returned to competition after a 2½‑year hiatus following the Beijing 2022 Games, saying she “enjoyed my program a lot” and felt confident throughout her performance[2]. Her victory posted the highest score of the competition and secured the top podium spot for the U.S.[1]
Japanese Skaters Secure Silver and Bronze Kaori Sakamoto earned the silver medal with 224.90 points, while Ami Nakai took bronze with 219.16, completing a podium dominated by Asian athletes[1][2]. Both Japanese competitors faltered on a combination sequence during the free skate, which prevented higher scores[1]. Their performances underscored Japan’s depth in women’s figure skating at the Milan‑Cortina Games.
U.S. Women’s Hockey Wins Overtime Gold The United States defeated Canada 2‑1 in overtime, with captain Hilary Knight tying the game late in regulation and Megan Keller scoring 4:07 into overtime for the decisive goal[1][2]. The victory delivered the third Olympic women’s‑hockey gold for the U.S. team[1]. The match highlighted the resilience of the American squad after trailing early in the third period.
Jordan Stolz Takes Silver as China Sets Record Speed skater Jordan Stolz finished second in the 1,500 m, 0.77 seconds behind China’s Ning Zhongyan, who set a new Olympic record of 1:41.98[1][2]. Stolz had previously won gold in the 500 m and 1,000 m events earlier in the Games, making the silver a rare setback[1]. The result emphasized China’s emerging dominance in middle‑distance speed skating.
Sources
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1.
King5: Alysa Liu’s gold and U.S. comebacks dominate Milan Cortina Games: Highlights Liu’s gold, Japanese podium, U.S. women’s hockey overtime win, Jordan Stolz’s silver, plus other U.S. sports results such as curling and halfpipe, focusing on overall U.S. performance.
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CNN: Alyssa Liu Captures U.S. Figure Skating Gold at Milan 2026: Emphasizes Liu’s gold ending 24‑year drought, her sportsmanship gesture, Japanese medals, hockey overtime win, and Stolz’s silver, with added quotes from Liu about confidence.
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Timeline
2002 – Sarah Hughes wins Olympic gold in women’s figure skating, the last U.S. title before a 24‑year drought [2]
2022 – Alyssa Liu competes at the Beijing Winter Games and then steps away from competitive skating, beginning a 2.5‑year hiatus [2]
Late 2024 – Liu announces her return to elite training after the break, saying she “enjoyed my program a lot” and feels confident heading into Milan [1]
Feb 19, 2026 – Liu delivers a near‑flawless free skate, earning 226.79 points to capture the first U.S. women’s figure‑skating gold since 2002, ending the 24‑year drought [1][2]
Feb 19, 2026 – Immediately after the scores, Liu runs to bronze‑medalist Ami Nakai, lifts her up and congratulates her, showcasing sportsmanship [1]
Feb 19, 2026 – Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (silver, 224.90) and Ami Nakai (bronze, 219.16) each falter on a combination sequence in the free skate [1][2]
Feb 19, 2026 – In women’s hockey, captain Hilary Knight ties the game with 2:04 left; Megan Keller scores 4:07 into overtime to give the United States a 2‑1 win over Canada, securing the nation’s third Olympic women’s‑hockey gold [2]
Feb 19, 2026 – Speed skater Jordan Stolz finishes 0.77 seconds behind China’s Ning Zhongyan, who sets an Olympic record of 1:41.98 in the 1,500 m, leaving Stolz with silver after his earlier golds in the 500 m and 1,000 m at these Games [2]
Feb 19, 2026 – The U.S. women’s curling team, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, wins an extra‑end 7‑6 over Switzerland to advance to the semifinals [2]
Feb 19, 2026 – Freestyle skier Eileen Gu falls on her first halfpipe run but posts an 86.50‑point second run to place fifth and qualify for the final scheduled for Saturday [2]
Feb 22, 2026 (Saturday) – Eileen Gu is set to compete in the women’s halfpipe final, aiming for a medal after her qualifying performance [2]