Oakland's Alysa Liu wins Olympic gold in figure skating

The 20-year-old figure skater's victory at the Milan Cortina Olympics is celebrated by her hometown fans at the Oakland Ice Center.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater from Oakland, California, has won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Liu's victory marks the first time an American woman has won the Olympic figure skating title in 24 years. Fans and supporters gathered at Liu's home rink, the Oakland Ice Center, to watch her historic performance and celebrate her achievement.

Why it matters

Liu's Olympic gold medal win is a source of immense pride for the Oakland community, which has historically struggled to maintain a strong ice sports culture. The closure of a nearby rink in 2007 had threatened the area's figure skating legacy, but Liu's success has reignited interest and enthusiasm for the sport among local residents and young skaters.

The details

Liu, who had previously retired from the sport four years ago, returned to competition and delivered a flawless free skate routine that highlighted her signature loose style and bright energy. Her victory made her the first American woman to medal in figure skating in 20 years and the first to win gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

  • Alysa Liu was not yet 2 years old when a rink in neighboring Berkeley, near where she grew up, was shuttered in 2007.
  • Liu, now 20 years old, claimed the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics on Thursday.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old figure skater from Oakland, California, who won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win the Olympic title in 24 years.

Candy Goodson

The director of skating at the Oakland Ice Center, Liu's home rink, who said Liu is "carrying the torch" of the Bay Area's figure skating legacy.

Doug Sykes

An Oakland resident whose two young daughters skate at the Oakland Ice Center and try to watch all of Liu's competitions.

Barbara Leslie

The chief executive of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, who expressed the city's pride in Liu's accomplishments and their desire to support her.

Haya Hayes

An 8-year-old skater who trains with Liu's coaches at the Oakland Ice Center and attended the watch party to support her.

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What they’re saying

“It just continues the legacy of the Bay Area. And Alysa is just carrying that torch, hopefully to the top.”

— Candy Goodson, Director of skating, Oakland Ice Center

“It's just nice to be able to come to an event like this and support one of the local heroes.”

— Doug Sykes, Oakland resident

“We've got somebody on a worldwide stage that gets off the ice and shouts out Oakland, California, and shouts out her love for the city. We just couldn't be more proud, and we want to do everything to support her and to support Oakland. … She's very ingrained in this community.”

— Barbara Leslie, Chief executive, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

“Figure skaters coming up, they have this incredible role model here to look up to.”

— Candy Goodson, Director of skating, Oakland Ice Center

“She actually represents Oakland on the ice. She's a rebel. She just doesn't fit into a box, and I love that about her. She's so freeing. I feel like she could only have come out of Oakland — to have just such unapologetic power and joy. And even stepping back for a few years and then coming back also speaks to the resilience and grit.”

— Carrie Maultsby-Lute, Former pro figure skater

What’s next

The Oakland Ice Center plans to continue hosting watch parties and events to celebrate Alysa Liu's Olympic victory and inspire the next generation of local figure skaters.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's Olympic gold medal triumph has reignited enthusiasm for figure skating in Oakland, a city that has struggled to maintain a strong ice sports culture in recent decades. Liu's success has made her a local hero and role model, inspiring young skaters and proving that Oakland can produce world-class Olympians.