Olympian Alysa Liu Receives Hero's Welcome at SFO After Gold Medal Win

The 18-year-old figure skater became the first American woman to earn Olympic gold since 2002.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Alysa Liu, the 18-year-old figure skater who won gold at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, was greeted by an ecstatic crowd of fans waiting for her at San Francisco International Airport late Monday night. Liu made history as the first American woman to earn Olympic gold in figure skating since 2002.

Why it matters

Liu's victory marks a significant milestone for American figure skating, which has struggled to produce Olympic champions in the women's event in recent decades. Her homecoming celebration at SFO highlights the immense pride and excitement the Bay Area community feels towards one of its own achieving such a prestigious athletic accomplishment.

The details

After touching down at SFO, Liu was met with cheers, applause, and a hero's welcome from fans who had gathered to greet the Olympic gold medalist. The 18-year-old skater, who trains in Oakland, beamed with joy as she made her way through the airport terminal, waving to the crowd and posing for photos.

  • Alysa Liu won the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games on February 22, 2026.
  • Liu arrived at San Francisco International Airport late on the night of February 24, 2026.

The players

Alysa Liu

An 18-year-old figure skater from the Bay Area who won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, becoming the first American woman to earn Olympic gold in the event since 2002.

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What they’re saying

“Alysa's victory is a testament to her incredible talent and hard work. We're all so proud of her accomplishment and can't wait to celebrate with her.”

— Diane Baker, San Francisco Resident (local social media)

What’s next

Liu is expected to be honored with a parade and civic celebration in downtown San Francisco in the coming days to commemorate her historic Olympic gold medal win.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's Olympic triumph has inspired a new generation of young figure skaters in the Bay Area and across the United States, reigniting hope that American women can once again dominate the sport on the world's biggest stage.