In a powerful display of American excellence across disciplines, figure skating phenom Alysa Liu and alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin powered Team USA to replicate a historic feat not seen in two decades at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The duo’s golden performances highlighted Team USA’s dominance, as the nation repeated a standout achievement from the early 2000s: securing individual Olympic golds in both women’s figure skating singles and alpine skiing from the same Winter Games—a combination that last occurred prominently around the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics era, when U.S. stars shone brightly in multiple sports.
Liu, the 20-year-old comeback sensation from the San Francisco Bay Area, delivered a fearless, joyful free skate to claim the women’s singles figure skating gold with a career-best score of 226.79 points. Her victory ended a 24-year drought for U.S. women in the event’s individual title—the first since Sarah Hughes’ surprise win in 2002. Liu, who had retired from competition at 16 after a prodigious early career (including becoming the first U.S. woman to land a quad in competition), returned triumphantly after a two-year break. She also contributed to Team USA’s earlier gold in the figure skating team event, making her a double Olympic champion at these Games.
Her radiant, stress-free performance—complete with infectious smiles and artistic flair—captivated audiences and reminded fans why skating can be pure joy. “I just can’t process this. There’s no way,” Liu said post-win, emphasizing her personal journey over pressure.
Meanwhile, Mikaela Shiffrin, at 30, added another chapter to her storied legacy by clinching gold in the women’s slalom on February 18—her third Olympic gold overall and first in eight years. The victory marked a redemptive high after personal challenges, including grief over her father’s passing and recovery from injuries. Shiffrin’s commanding runs showcased her unmatched versatility and mental resilience, further elevating Team USA’s medal haul.
Together, Liu’s breakthrough on the ice and Shiffrin’s mastery on the slopes symbolized a broader U.S. resurgence in winter sports, proving that greatness endures across generations and disciplines. Their successes contributed to Team USA’s record-tying or breaking gold medal count at a Winter Games, underscoring a team effort filled with comebacks, breakthroughs, and unbreakable spirit.
As the Milano Cortina Olympics conclude, the echoes of history ring loud: American excellence never fades—it evolves, inspires, and repeats when the moment demands it most.
