Alysa Liu Celebrates Historic Olympic Triumph with Heartwarming Homecoming
American figure skater Alysa Liu returned to an emotional and joyous welcome after making history at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The young athlete became the first competitor from the United States in twenty-four years to capture Olympic gold in the women's singles figure skating event, concluding her remarkable Games campaign with two prestigious gold medals.
Historic Performance on the Olympic Ice
Alysa Liu's journey to Olympic glory began with the team event, where she delivered a strong short program performance that secured second place and crucially helped the United States clinch the top team position. Days later, on February 19, Liu took to the ice for her individual free skate, performing to Donna Summer's iconic "MacArthur Park Suite."
Her routine was nothing short of spectacular, as she successfully executed all seven planned triple jumps, including three demanding combinations. This flawless performance earned her a total score of 224.90 points, securing her first individual Olympic gold medal and cementing her status as one of the most memorable athletes of the competition.
Behind-the-Scenes Airport Welcome
Shortly after her return from Italy, Liu's best friend shared a touching and lighthearted behind-the-scenes video on Instagram, capturing the skater's airport arrival. The clip playfully highlighted Liu's luggage while showcasing cheerful moments of the two friends laughing together inside the terminal and later in the car.
The Instagram caption humorously noted, "Rare aesthetic: ur friend wins the Olympics and brings the entire m* village back home w her." This authentic glimpse into Liu's personal life provided fans with a heartwarming view of the champion's celebratory homecoming.
Exhibition Gala and Artistic Expression
Beyond the competitive events, Alysa Liu also participated in the exhibition gala on February 21, where she skated to "Stateside" by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. Her beautiful and expressive routine impressed audiences worldwide and even captured the attention of singer Zara Larsson herself, who shared a video reaction applauding the skater's performance.
In post-competition media interviews, Liu reflected deeply on her Olympic experience. "Performing my programs exactly as I imagined on such a grand stage has always been my ultimate dream," she explained. "I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have achieved that goal in the short program, team event, and free skate—and I was thrilled to do it once more in the gala."
Personal Journey Through Skating
Liu also shared insights about her artistic approach to figure skating, emphasizing how she uses the sport as a medium for personal storytelling. "I absolutely love telling my personal story and showcasing my creative process on the ice," she stated. "This Olympic journey has been overwhelming with happiness, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have experienced it."
Alysa Liu's Milano Cortina 2026 campaign represents not only a historic athletic achievement but also a powerful demonstration of artistic expression and personal triumph. Her two gold medals and memorable performances have solidified her place in Olympic history while inspiring a new generation of figure skaters across the United States and beyond.
