Alysa Liu delivered a historic performance in Milan on Thursday night, capturing the United States’ first Olympic gold medal in women’s singles figure skating in 24 years and completing a remarkable comeback story that few could have predicted just two years ago.

Entering the free skate, Liu was not the favorite. Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto held the top two positions after the short program, and the long-standing drought for American women appeared likely to continue. But Liu, 20, skated with poise and precision, producing a flawless routine that blended technical excellence with expressive artistry.

Performing to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite” — the same program that helped her secure a world championship title last year — Liu opened with a clean triple flip and followed with a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination. As the disco-inspired music built, the crowd responded enthusiastically, clapping along as she moved across the ice. After finishing, an emotional Liu celebrated with her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, before learning she had earned a season-best score of 150.20. Her combined total of 226.79 placed her firmly in the lead with only two skaters remaining.

Despite the pressure of the moment, Liu remained composed rink-side, cheering on her competitors. When final scores confirmed her victory, teammates and rivals alike embraced her. Sakamoto earned silver, while Nakai claimed bronze.

Liu’s triumph marks a full-circle moment in a career that began with meteoric success. In 2019, at just 13 years old, she became the youngest woman ever to win a U.S. national championship, defending the title the following year. She competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics at 16, finishing sixth, and later placed third at the world championships.

Soon after, however, Liu shocked the skating world by announcing her retirement, citing burnout. She stepped away from competition to live a more typical teenage life, spending time with friends, traveling and enrolling at UCLA. It wasn’t until a family ski trip rekindled her love for skating that she began considering a return. A casual public skating session reignited her passion, and she eventually decided to mount a comeback.

Reuniting with former coaches DiGuglielmo and Scali, Liu approached her return differently. She insisted on creative control over her music, costumes and training schedule, determined to ensure her skating reflected her personality and vision. Her comeback season culminated in a world championship title, though her team emphasized that winning medals was not their primary objective.

According to DiGuglielmo, the main goal this season was simply making the Olympic team. Winning gold was never explicitly stated as an expectation. For Liu, the focus was on expressing herself and enjoying the experience — especially after the pandemic-restricted 2022 Games.

Earlier in the week, Liu had already earned a gold medal as part of the team event. She competed alongside fellow Americans Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, who each faced challenges in the individual competition. Glenn rebounded from a difficult short program to deliver a strong free skate, finishing just outside the medals, while Levito ended 12th overall.

Glenn praised Liu’s journey, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health and trusting one’s path. Liu echoed similar sentiments, saying her story and personal growth meant more to her than any medal.

For the United States, Liu’s victory ends a 24-year wait for Olympic gold in women’s figure skating. For Liu herself, it represents not just a competitive achievement, but the culmination of a deeply personal journey back to the sport she loves.