Alisa Liu Wins Gold in Women’s Figure Skating
Team USA figure skater Alisa Liu secured the gold medal in the women’s free skate final on Thursday, marking a significant victory after a 20-year medal drought for American women in this category. It’s been 24 years since an American woman clinched gold in singles figure skating at the Olympics.
The last time an American woman earned a medal in this event was Sasha Cohen in 2006 in Turin. Sarah Hughes was the last to win gold, achieving that in 2002 during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Liu executed every jump flawlessly, maintaining a bright smile throughout her routine. After finishing, she exuberantly celebrated, reportedly shouting, “That’s what I’m talking about!” and “Holy!” while surrounded by her team.
Liu registered a total of 226.79 points, with a free skate score of 150.20 and a short program score of 76.59, her best of the season. However, she had to keep an eye on her Japanese competitors, Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, who were close behind.
With Sakamoto performing strongly, the tension in the audience grew, especially as the judges deliberated over Nakai’s performance. When the announcement came that Nakai had just missed the mark, the crowd erupted in applause for Liu.
After Tuesday’s short program, where her teammates Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levitt fell short of podium positions, the pressure was solely on Liu. The stakes were even higher given that her fellow American skater, Ilya Marin, had struggled, finishing in eighth place after two falls.
In recent times, Liu has become a beloved figure in the U.S., playing a vital role in the team’s gold win during a dramatic comeback. Remarkably, she returned to competitive skating after a brief retirement following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Prior to the Beijing Games, she and her father faced espionage from the Chinese government, a situation Liu discussed during a roundtable interview, describing the experience as “a little strange and exciting.” She reflected on the surreal nature of it, saying it felt like being in a movie.
Liu expresses potential interest in a film about her life and experiences, although she hopes that if it happens, it portrays her as more than just a victim but also highlights her father’s story, given its significance and impact.
