American figure skating star Alysa Liu has become one of the biggest stories of the 2026 Winter Olympics after delivering a composed and technically strong short program that placed her firmly in medal contention.
Liu’s performance combined clean jumps, smooth transitions, and visible confidence, signaling that she is not just participating in Milan-Cortina but genuinely chasing the podium. For Team USA, she now represents their strongest hope in women’s singles skating.
Calm, Confident, and in Control on Olympic Ice
What stood out most in Liu’s short program was her composure. She skated with maturity beyond her years, executing difficult elements without the visible pressure that often follows Olympic favorites.
Her triple-triple combination and polished spins helped her stay close to the top scorers, keeping the medal race wide open heading into the free skate. Technically solid, artistically expressive, and mentally steady, Liu looked like a complete skater rather than just a young talent trying to prove herself.
That balance is exactly what wins Olympic medals.
The Comeback Story That Changed Everything
Liu’s current success feels even more powerful because of her journey. After stepping away from competitive skating in 2022 due to burnout, many believed her elite career might be over. Instead, she returned with a new mindset, focusing on joy and self-expression rather than just results.
That shift has transformed her skating. She now appears freer, more musical, and less burdened by expectations. Ironically, that relaxed approach may be the biggest reason she is now performing at an even higher level than before her break.
Her victory at the World Figure Skating Championships in 2025 already proved her comeback was real. Now, the Olympics present the ultimate test.
Why Alysa Liu Is USA’s Best Medal Chance
From a competitive perspective, Liu checks all the boxes needed for Olympic success:
- Strong technical base value
- Reliable jump combinations
- Improved artistic presentation
- Mental resilience under pressure
While some competitors rely heavily on ultra-difficult elements, Liu’s strength lies in consistency. In Olympic events, where nerves often cause mistakes, consistency can be more valuable than risk-heavy programs.
If she delivers a clean free skate, she has a realistic shot at finishing on the podium and possibly even challenging for gold depending on errors from rivals.
My Analysis: A New Era for U.S. Women’s Figure Skating
Liu’s rise is more than just an individual success story. It signals a potential turning point for U.S. women’s figure skating. For years, American skaters struggled to match the technical dominance of international competitors. Liu’s blend of technique, artistry, and maturity suggests that gap is finally closing.
Her comeback also sends a powerful message to young athletes. Taking a break did not weaken her career. It strengthened it. She returned with clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper love for the sport. That psychological edge is often what separates champions from contenders.
What to Expect in the Free Skate
The upcoming free skate will decide everything. If Liu lands her key jump passes cleanly and maintains the artistic flow seen in the short program, she could secure Team USA’s first women’s singles Olympic medal in years.
One mistake could shift the standings, but a clean, confident performance would complete one of the most inspiring comeback arcs in Olympic figure skating history.
Final Thoughts
Alysa Liu’s journey from early prodigy to retired skater and now Olympic medal contender is already one of the defining narratives of the 2026 Winter Games. She is skating not just with skill, but with purpose and joy.
And that combination might be exactly what carries her onto the Olympic podium.
