Alisa Liu achieved an unexpected gold medal victory in figure skating, reversing her position from third in the short program to take the championship by demonstrating superior skill and artistry in her jumps. Notably, she executed a flawless sequence of a Lutz-Toeloop triple jump, impressively earning positive Grade of Execution (GOE) scores for all seven of her jumps. This marks a significant milestone for Liu, who at just 20 years old, returned to competitive skating after briefly retiring following her sixth place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

This triumph not only makes Liu the eighth American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal since Sarah Hughes in 2002, but it also signifies a pivotal moment in her skating journey as she expressed her joy in being able to convey her personal story through her performances. Her emotional victory was complemented by a heartfelt moment when she shared her happiness with her coach and supporters, showcasing the dedication that led to her comeback.

Liu's victory comes at a time when figure skating is witnessing a resurgence of talent in the United States, especially among young female skaters. Alongside Liu's gold, fellow American skater Kaori Sakamoto earned a silver medal, while bronze went to Ami Nakamai, alluding to a strong showing for the U.S. in this season's competitions. This success not only boosts Liu's profile but also raises expectations for future competitions as she looks to build on this momentum for her skating career.