Alysa Liu Aims to End USA's 20-Year Figure Skating Medal Drought

The 21-year-old American figure skater sits in third place heading into the free skate, looking to become the first U.S. woman to medal since 2006.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The United States has not had a woman win a medal in figure skating at the Olympics since 2006, when Sasha Cohen took silver. American figure skater Alysa Liu is currently in third place after the short program and is hoping to end that 20-year drought by earning a medal in the 2026 Winter Games.

Why it matters

Women's figure skating has long been a strength for the United States, with seven American gold medalists in the event. However, the country has struggled to reach the podium in the last two decades, raising questions about the development of top-tier American talent in the sport.

The details

Liu, 21, is in third place after the short program with 76.59 points, trailing Japan's Ami Nakai (78.71) and Kaori Sakamoto (77.23). The last American woman to win a singles figure skating medal was Sasha Cohen, who took silver in 2006. Since then, no U.S. woman has reached the podium, despite strong performances from skaters like Mirai Nagasu, Gracie Gold, and Bradie Tennell.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • The women's figure skating event consists of a short program and free skate, with the scores combined for the final standings.
  • The free skate, where Liu will look to medal, is scheduled for February 19, 2026.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 21-year-old American figure skater who is currently in third place after the short program and is aiming to end the USA's 20-year medal drought in women's figure skating.

Sasha Cohen

The last American woman to win a singles figure skating medal, taking silver at the 2006 Olympics.

Sarah Hughes

The last American woman to win a gold medal in singles figure skating, accomplishing the feat at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Liu will look to maintain her position or move up the standings in the free skate on February 19, 2026, as she aims to become the first American woman to medal in figure skating since 2006.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's strong performance in the short program has given the United States hope of ending its 20-year medal drought in women's figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics. If Liu can deliver in the free skate, she could make history as the first American woman to reach the podium in the event since Sasha Cohen's silver medal in 2006.