United States figure skater Alysa Liu made it 2-for-2 on Thursday after an incredible performance in the free skate of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Liu had already bagged her first Olympic gold medal in the team event earlier in the Games. She won her second gold on Thursday after a near-flawless routine in the free skate. She scored 150.20, bringing her total to 226.79, including her short program.
Liu won the first individual women’s medal for Team USA in 24 years. She was not even born the last time an American female figure skater won gold in the free skate.
(James Lang-Imagn Images)
Liu’s triumphant moment was captured on camera. She celebrated her victory in the kiss and cry, the area in a figure skating rink where competitors await their scores after each performance. It is named as such because skaters either kiss their coaches in celebration or cry with them in defeat.
It was certainly the former for Liu on Thursday. However, the 20-year-old also made sure to share her big moment with her opponents. Liu was seen embracing three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto and 17-year-old Ami Nakai. The Japanese figure skaters came in second and third, respectively, behind Liu.
The Olympics shared the photos of Liu’s endearing moments with her competitors, along with a heartfelt reaction.
“Alysa Liu won the gold medal and also everyone’s hearts, for the way she celebrated with Sakamoto Kaori and Nakai Ami at the Kiss & Cry. 🫶” posted the Olympics.
The Winter Games feature some of the world’s most competitive athletes. However, they also support each other in victory and defeat. Liu’s behavior after her historic gold-medal win is a display of genuine sportsmanship in the sport of figure skating.
