US Skating Star Alysa Liu Compelled to Hand Back Defective Gold Medal
Team USA figure skating sensation Alysa Liu secured two gold medals at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, yet was forced to return her initial prize after it broke during jubilant celebrations. The 20-year-old athlete, who made a remarkable comeback from retirement, experienced the medal detaching from its ribbon, a mishap that also affected other competitors including American skier Breezy Johnson.
Celebratory Mishap Leads to Medal Replacement
Liu described the incident to Overtime, explaining, "I was just jumping up and down, as one does to celebrate, and it just dropped. It just literally fell off of the ribbon. It got very scratched up... pretty dented." Despite her preference to keep the imperfect medal, Olympic regulations required her to surrender it for a replacement. "I actually liked it when it was off the ribbon, but that's not allowed. I had to give it in," she lamented, highlighting her attachment to the original award.
Spectacular Performance and Viral Moments
Alysa Liu's performance at the Games was nothing short of extraordinary, captivating audiences with her distinctive style and seamless skating. She clinched victory in the Team Event before securing the women's individual title, marking America's first gold in that category in over two decades. Her free skate to a disco rendition of Donna Summer's 'MacArthur Park' earned a career-best score of 226.79, becoming a standout moment of the competition.
Liu is part of a celebrated trio dubbed America's 'Blade Angels', alongside Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, all of whom are current or former US champions. Their success contributed to several viral moments throughout the Games, enhancing their profile and fan engagement.
Comeback from Retirement and Future Plans
Following her appearance at the 2022 Beijing Games, Liu retired citing burnout, but made a triumphant return in 2024. When questioned about potential retirement after the Milano Cortina Games, she told NBC, "I have no plans to leave figure skating, yet. I can't imagine not skating next year." She emphasized that her identity extends beyond her victories, stating, "These titles are huge, but I don't want them to overshadow who I am and what I do and what I am all about."
Liu also reflected on her personal growth, noting, "Through retirement, I realised I am a little bit like a creative person, and I have these ideas. I have my own sense of fashion and I'm a little bit stubborn with it. I love choreography and music and I do it on my own terms. No one tells me what to do."
The incident with the medal, while unfortunate, did not diminish Liu's achievements or the admiration she garnered from spectators in Italy and viewers worldwide. Her resilience and talent continue to inspire, solidifying her status as a key figure in winter sports.
