Alysa Liu Greeted by Cheers at SFO After Olympic Gold

The figure skater returned home to San Francisco to a warm welcome after winning the first U.S. women's figure skating gold medal in 24 years.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Alysa Liu, the 18-year-old figure skater who won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, was greeted with cheers and applause from fellow passengers as she stepped off her flight at San Francisco International Airport. Liu had initially retired from skating but returned to the sport, finding renewed passion and artistic expression through her performances.

Why it matters

Liu's Olympic gold medal victory marks the first time in 24 years that a U.S. woman has won the figure skating title, a significant accomplishment that has captured the attention and pride of the nation, especially her hometown of San Francisco.

The details

Videos from the airport show Liu walking off her flight to cheers from fellow passengers yelling out "congratulations" and "welcome home!" Liu had previously spoken about her decision to return to skating after a year away, saying she realized school was not challenging enough for her and that skating provided an artistic outlet and sense of purpose.

  • Alysa Liu won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
  • Liu returned to San Francisco International Airport on February 25, 2026.

The players

Alysa Liu

An 18-year-old figure skater who won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking the first time in 24 years that a U.S. woman has won the title.

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What they’re saying

“I went through a whole year of school, and during winter break, I went skiing and I realized school was hard, but it was not challenging enough for me. I got into other things, like fashion, but I never went to the gym. Skating gave me something to be strong for. I love having willpower.”

— Alysa Liu (Cosmopolitan)

“Skating is a sport, but first and foremost, it's an art form. And in order to produce the best art and have it connect with fans, you have to know yourself. I express myself in other ways, but this is one of the more public ways fans really connect to.”

— Alysa Liu (Cosmopolitan)

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's Olympic gold medal victory and triumphant homecoming to San Francisco represent a significant milestone for U.S. figure skating and inspire a new generation of young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.