In the world of figure skating, they call her the “Unbothered Queen.” Yesterday in Milan, Alysa Liu did the impossible: she ended a 24-year gold medal drought for American women, becoming the first U.S. female skater to stand atop the Olympic podium since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
A Storybook Ending to a Two-Year Break
Just four years ago, Alysa walked away from the sport at age 16, citing burnout and a desire for a “normal life.” Most thought her story was over. Instead, she returned in 2024 with a fresh perspective and a new goal: to skate for herself, not the judges. That “joy first” attitude was on full display as she surged from third place in the short program to a career-best 226.79 overall.
The Magic of ‘MacArthur Park’
While her competitors focused on grim technical perfection, Alysa dazzled the crowd with her routine set to Donna Summer’s disco classic, “MacArthur Park.” It wasn’t just about the jumps; it was about the connection. She landed her signature triples with a smile that felt genuine, proving that you don’t have to be miserable to be a champion.
Ending the Drought: Why This Matters
For over two decades, U.S. women have struggled to break the dominance of international powerhouses. By capturing gold, Alysa has revitalized American figure skating, proving that a comeback isn’t just about reclaiming a title—it’s about reclaiming your love for the game.
While Alysa made history on the ice, the Men’s Hockey teams are fighting for their own gold—check out the full schedule here.