Alysa Liu Wins Olympic Figure Skating Gold To Cap Historic Comeback

Alysa Liu has written herself into Olympic folklore, claiming golden astatine nan Milano Ice Skating Arena pinch a capacity defined by characteristic and resilience. The 20-year-old’s triumph ends a drought for American women successful nan singles arena that stretched backmost to Sarah Hughes’ triumph successful 2002.

Liu, who antecedently retired astatine property 16 aft suffering from burnout, delivered a astir flawless free skate to a Donna Summer medley. Her people of 150.20 was a individual play champion and proved capable to clasp disconnected a formidable situation from a beardown Japanese team.

Liu’s way to nan podium has been thing but traditional. After missing retired connected a badge astatine nan Beijing 2022 Games, she walked distant from nan crystal to acquisition life arsenic a regular teenager. Since her return past year, she has reclaimed power complete her training and capacity style.

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“I’m older and I’ve learned truthful galore lessons. I’m truthful overmuch amended astatine protecting my peace,” she said during her training buildup.

That bid was connected afloat show successful Milan. Clad successful a sparkling golden dress, Liu beamed done her full routine, skipping some nan triple axel and quad jumps successful favour of vivacity and precise execution. When her triumph was confirmed, a twinkling Liu shouted to nan cameras: “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Drama connected nan ice

The last moments of nan title were nerve-shredding. Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, skating successful her last Olympics earlier retirement, delivered a powerful regular to Edith Piaf. However, a missed jump operation proved costly.

Sakamoto was successful tears arsenic she realized nan golden had slipped away. “The vexation of not being capable to triumph it is really hitting maine correct now,” she said. Despite nan disappointment, she secured nan metallic medal.

The bronze went to 17-year-old Ami Nakai, nan youngest skater successful nan field. Nakai led aft nan short programme and opened her free skate pinch a trademark triple axel, but a stumble connected a triple lutz dropped her into 3rd place.

Read more: 13-year-old Alysa Liu becomes youngest women’s fig skating champion successful US history

For nan American team, it was a nighttime of redemption. Amber Glenn roseate from 13th to 5th spot aft a stunning free skate that included a successful triple axel. Glenn, who has faced important online criticism, stood and applauded her teammates from nan stands.

In contrast, it was a difficult nighttime for nan Russian champion Adeliia Petrosian. The 18-year-old, coached by nan arguable Eteri Tutberidze, fell connected an attempted quad toed loop. She vanished sixth and near nan arena quickly without addressing nan media.

As nan medals were presented, Liu celebrated pinch her chap podium finishers, epitomizing nan joyousness she has recovered successful her 2nd section connected nan ice. “My family is retired there, my friends are retired there. I had to put connected a show for them,” she said.