Alysa Liu Shines One Last Time At The Exhibition Gala Following Her Gold Medal Triumph
Alysa Liu wrapped up the figure skating events at the Milano Cortina Games with a captivating Exhibition Gala performance, offering fans one final glimpse of her artistry on Olympic ice. The routine combined confidence, grace, and flair, highlighted by another unforgettable costume choice that reinforced her transformation from prodigy to fully realized Olympic star.
At just 20 years old, Liu had already delivered the defining performance of her career days earlier, skating in a radiant gold dress as she surged from third place after the short program to claim Olympic gold. That free skate blended technical precision with fearless expression, marking a moment that will be remembered as one of the standout performances of the Games.
With her victory, Liu became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating since Sarah Hughes accomplished the feat at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. The milestone ended a 24-year wait for U.S. women and firmly placed Liu among the most significant champions in the sport’s modern era.
The emotional release that followed was just as striking as the performance itself. Overcome by the weight of the moment, Liu reacted candidly, even letting slip an unfiltered expletive, while her father Arthur was seen celebrating wildly in the stands. His reaction reflected years of sacrifice and belief finally rewarded on the sport’s biggest stage.
In the moments that followed her win, Liu also drew attention for her composure and respect toward others, demonstrating sportsmanship that matched her talent. It was a reminder that her impact at these Games extended beyond medals, resonating through her conduct as much as her skating.
The days after her victory unfolded at a relentless pace. From media appearances to public celebrations, the Oakland, California native barely had time to rest, appearing visibly exhausted while waiting for a guest spot on The Today Show. The whirlwind schedule underscored how quickly Olympic success can reshape an athlete’s life.
Liu dazzles in Exhibition Gala
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2):format(webp)/GettyImages-2262344087-374b016174684a97a4440d8b8136be6a.jpg)
Despite the fatigue, Liu returned to the ice for the Exhibition Gala, summoning one final performance to close her Olympic experience. While the skate carried no scoring implications, it offered something equally meaningful — a chance to perform without pressure, embracing freedom and joy after the most demanding competition of her life.
She seized that opportunity not only through her skating, but through her presentation. Gliding effortlessly across the rink, Liu wore a dress that evoked a fairy-tale elegance, projecting confidence and ease as an athlete who had already conquered the ultimate goal and could now simply enjoy the moment.
Here are more looks at it:
Liu’s path to Olympic glory has been anything but linear. She became the youngest U.S. national champion at age 13 in 2019, stepped away from the sport after the 2022 Beijing Olympics at just 16, and then made a remarkable return to competition in March 2024. Less than two years later, she leaves Milano Cortina as an Olympic champion and team silver medalist.
At just 24 years old when the Olympic Games move to France in 2030, Liu will still be firmly within her prime, leaving open the possibility of yet another historic chapter. Few athletes have already achieved so much at such a young age, with time still clearly on their side.
For now, however, Liu continues to savor every moment of the Milano Cortina Games, embracing the rare calm that follows a lifelong dream fulfilled. It is a pause earned through resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in herself — qualities that carried her all the way to Olympic gold.
