Despite setbacks for Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics, figure skating star Alysa Liu remains the nation’s brightest hope, keeping the dream of an individual medal alive after two decades.
All U.S. women qualified for Thursday’s free skate, but the short program on Tuesday, February 17, proved challenging. Only two American skaters managed to place in the top 10, leaving Liu with the responsibility of leading Team USA toward a podium finish.
Defending champion Liu delivered a stunning performance, completing a highly difficult triple Lutz–triple loop combination, a feat no other competitor attempted. She currently sits in third place, just two points behind Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, keeping her firmly in contention for a medal.
“I’m really happy with how I skated today,” Liu said after her routine. “Seeing my siblings, best friends, and family during warm-ups and my program made this moment even more special. They rarely get to watch me live, and connecting with my performance on this level was incredible.”
Other U.S. skaters faced disappointment. Amber Glenn finished 13th, missing the free skate by one spot, while Isabeau Levito placed 8th after a deduction for an under-rotated triple loop disrupted her sequence. These results highlight the ongoing challenges for American athletes in individual figure skating at the Milano-Cortina Games.
The men’s event also saw a major upset when two-time world champion Ilia Malinin, a strong gold medal favorite, fell twice during his routine, finishing eighth and eliminating himself from contention.
As the final approaches on Thursday, February 19, Liu will carry the weight of Team USA’s hopes. The 20-year-old from Oakland, California, has already made her mark, helping the U.S. secure gold in the team event, and has showcased her resilience after returning to competitive skating in March 2024 following a brief retirement post-2022 Beijing Olympics.
With her technical skill, composure under pressure, and remarkable performances, Alysa Liu remains the central figure in Team USA’s quest for an individual gold medal a historic achievement the nation has awaited for 20 years.
