What's Happening?
Alysa Liu, the American figure skating sensation, is set to close the exhibition gala at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Liu recently captured the gold medal in the women's individual competition, marking the first time in 24 years that an American woman has won this title. Her victory was achieved with a remarkable free skate performance that surpassed Japan's Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. The exhibition gala will feature several prominent athletes, including Team USA's Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and men's gold medalist Ilia Malinin. Liu will be the final performer, following other gold medalists such as Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan and the Japanese pairs team Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara. Liu expressed her honor in joining
the ranks of Olympic gold medalists and hopes her story will inspire others.
Why It's Important?
Alysa Liu's gold medal win and her role in the exhibition gala highlight the resurgence of American women's figure skating on the international stage. Her success could inspire a new generation of skaters in the U.S., potentially increasing interest and investment in the sport. Liu's performance also underscores the competitive nature of figure skating, where athletes from various countries vie for top honors. Her visibility as a gold medalist may lead to increased media attention and sponsorship opportunities, further elevating her profile and the sport's popularity in the U.S.
What's Next?
Following the exhibition gala, Alysa Liu's future in figure skating could include participation in world championships and other international competitions. Her recent achievements may also lead to opportunities outside the rink, such as endorsements and media appearances. The figure skating community will likely watch her career closely, as her performances could influence the sport's development and popularity in the U.S. and beyond.
