Alysa Liu Triumphs with Gold, Ending US Women's Figure Skating Drought
Alysa Liu delivered a stunning performance to win the gold medal in women's figure skating at the Winter Olympics on Thursday, marking the first time an American woman has claimed the top spot in this event in 24 years. Her near-flawless free skate captivated audiences and secured her victory with a career-best score of 226.79 points.
Japanese Skaters Secure Silver and Bronze
Kaori Sakamoto earned the silver medal with 224.90 points, adding to her bronze from the Beijing Games, while Ami Nakai took bronze with 219.16 points. Both Japanese skaters made minor errors in their combination sequences, which ultimately determined the medal placements. The competition was intense, with Nakai's final score prompting an emotional celebration from teammate Amber Glenn, who jumped onto the kiss-and-cry stand to raise Liu's hand in triumph.
Historic Comeback and Team Spirit
Liu, aged 20, had previously stepped away from the sport after the Beijing Olympics four years ago but made a remarkable comeback to achieve this historic win. Her victory breaks the drought since Sarah Hughes won gold in Salt Lake City in 2002. Glenn, who finished fifth with a season-best free skate score of 214.91 points, nearly made the podium herself, showcasing a strong rebound from a challenging short program earlier in the week.
The event highlighted not only individual excellence but also the camaraderie among skaters, as Liu applauded Nakai after the results were announced, and Nakai responded with a heartfelt hug. This gold medal underscores the resilience and talent in US figure skating, setting a new benchmark for future competitions.
