Alysa Liu Shines with Silver in Olympic Team Figure Skating
Alysa Liu made a significant impact at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The 20-year-old figure skater claimed second place during the women’s short program qualifiers in the team event, marking a triumphant return to Olympic competition.
Alysa Liu’s Olympic Comeback
This year’s Winter Olympics mark Liu’s return to the ice following a brief retirement. She initially stepped back from the sport in 2022 after competing in her first Olympic Games in Beijing. Liu’s score of 74.90 earned Team USA a pivotal position heading into the next round.
Performance Overview
Liu performed her routine set to Laufey’s “Promise,” featuring seven technical elements. Noteworthy components included:
- Triple flip
- Double axel
- Triple lutz
- Triple loop
- Flying camel spin
- Step sequence
- Layback spin
Only Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto surpassed Liu with an impressive score of 78.88. Liu’s performance was well-received, drawing enthusiastic applause from American fans present at the Unipol Forum.
Team USA’s Strong Standings
The short program performance not only underscored Liu’s skill but also bolstered Team USA’s position in the qualifiers. Team members Madison Chock and Evan Bates excelled in the ice dancing rhythm dance, securing the top spot. Additionally, pairs skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea finished fifth overall.
Team USA entered the team event finals on February 7, with Ilia Malinin set to complete the qualifiers in the men’s short program.
Looking Forward
The team event finals will culminate with the medal ceremony on February 8. Reflecting on her recent journey, Liu expressed renewed joy in figure skating, explaining how her perspective shifted over the past few years.
After initially participating for the Olympic experience, she returned to the sport with a passion for the artistry, particularly in costume design. “I love to design them,” Liu noted about the dresses, illustrating her commitment to the sport’s aesthetic elements.
This renewed excitement is expected to shine through as Liu competes in the ongoing Olympic events.
