American Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu wins gold in Italy

Japan took silver and bronze in the event with Kaori Sakamoto taking silver, and Ami Nakai taking bronze. American Amber Glenn came in fourth.

By Misty Severi

Published: February 19, 2026 5:19pm

Updated: February 19, 2026 5:32pm

American Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu won the gold medal during Thursday's women's free skate program, marking the first time an American woman has won the gold medal in the event in 24 years.

Japan took silver and bronze in the event with Kaori Sakamoto taking silver, and Ami Nakai taking bronze.

Liu won the gold with a total score of 226.79 between her free skate and short program scores. She received 150.20 points during the free skate portion.

“I just can't process this," the 20-year-old said when receiving the gold medal. "There's no way.”

The victory at the 2026 Olympics in Italy marks the first time an American woman has medaled in the event since Sasha Cohen took home silver in 2006. The last time an American woman took home gold was Sarah Hughes in 2002, according to CBS News.

The United States also took gold in the team skating event earlier in the Olympics and the U.S. Women's Hockey defeated Canada for the gold earlier Thursday.