Alysa Liu Wins Olympic Gold with Unconventional Approach

The 20-year-old figure skater cared more about her artistry than the medal, defying expectations of Olympic success.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old American figure skater, won the Olympic gold medal in Milan, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so in 24 years. However, Liu had no interest in winning the gold medal, focusing instead on her performance and artistry. She even told her coaches that she didn't care if she finished third or fourth, as long as she was able to showcase her skating. Liu's unconventional approach to the Olympics has made her a hero to the alt, punk, and emo crowds, as she refuses to conform to traditional notions of athletic success.

Why it matters

Liu's story challenges the traditional narrative of Olympic success, which often emphasizes winning gold medals above all else. Her focus on artistry and self-expression over decoration and victory expectations provides a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a successful athlete. Her journey also highlights the importance of mental health and the ability to take a step back from the sport, as she did when she quit skating at 16 before returning to the ice four years later.

The details

Liu's gold medal-winning performance was almost perfect, and when it was over, she shouted at a TV camera, "That's what I'm f—ing talking about!" She is the first U.S. woman to win the Olympic figure skating title in 24 years. Liu's coaches said they never actually had a goal of winning the gold medal, as that "doesn't jibe with her values." Instead, they focused on her artistry and performance, toasting her with champagne before the event.

  • Alysa Liu won the Olympic gold medal in figure skating on February 16, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
  • Liu previously competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she finished sixth.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who won the Olympic gold medal in 2026, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so in 24 years. Liu had no interest in winning the gold medal, focusing instead on her artistry and performance.

Phillip DiGuglielmo

One of Alysa Liu's coaches, who said they never actually had a goal of winning the gold medal, as that "doesn't jibe with her values." Instead, they focused on her artistry and performance.

Amber Glenn

Another American figure skater who was viewed as a potential winner at the 2026 Olympics, but fell in the short program after criticizing former President Trump. She later hugged Liu after her gold medal win.

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What they’re saying

“We did a little pre-celebratory thing, like we learned from her. I can't sit here and say she has to win. Saying that she has to win doesn't jibe with her values. Third place, fourth place — it still would have been an incredible accomplishment. We never actually had a goal of winning. We never said it because it was kind of taboo. For her, it's all about showing her art.”

— Phillip DiGuglielmo, Alysa Liu's coach (substack.com)

“Her story of taking a step back, mental health, I think it really attests to you never know what the journey to success is going to be. I really hope that can reach the skating community, that it's OK to take time.”

— Amber Glenn, American figure skater (substack.com)

What’s next

Liu's coaches said that nobody walks away from figure skating and comes back successfully, but Liu proved them wrong. It remains to be seen if she will continue to compete or if she will focus on other pursuits, as she has shown a willingness to step away from the sport in the past.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's unconventional approach to the Olympics, where she cared more about her artistry and performance than winning the gold medal, challenges the traditional narrative of athletic success. Her story highlights the importance of mental health, the ability to take a step back from one's sport, and the value of self-expression over decoration. Liu's journey has made her a hero to the alt, punk, and emo crowds, showing that there are many paths to success in sports.