MILAN, 20 February 2026 – In a historic night at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, American figure skater Alysa Liu has captured the Olympic gold medal in the women’s singles event. Her victory on Thursday evening (19 February) marks the first time a U.S. woman has stood atop the Olympic podium in this discipline since Sarah Hughes in 2002, ending a 24-year drought for Team USA.
Liu’s Golden Comeback
Entering the free skate in third place following Tuesday’s short program, Liu delivered a flawless performance that vaulted her past a formidable Japanese contingent. The reigning world champion showcased technical precision and emotional depth, securing the title just hours ago as the final scores were tallied in Milan.
The competition was exceptionally tight. Japan’s Nakai Ami, who led after the short program, and three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori were both in contention for the gold. While the Japanese skaters demonstrated incredible consistency, Liu’s technical ceiling in the free skate proved to be the difference-maker.
Event Overview and Venue
The figure skating competitions for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games are being held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The venue, known for its modern amenities and a seating capacity of approximately 12,500 to 14,000 spectators, has provided an electric atmosphere for the world’s elite skaters.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Milano Ice Skating Arena (Milan, Italy) |
| Competition Dates | 6–19 February 2026 |
| Total Competitors | 142 from 35 nations |
| Women’s Gold Medallist | Alysa Liu (USA) |
| Women’s Free Skate Date | 19 February 2026 |
Key Highlights from the Women’s Event
- Team USA Success: Beyond Liu’s gold, Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn also represented the United States in the final. Glenn performed in the second group of the free skate, while Levito remained a strong contender throughout the week.
- Japanese Dominance: Despite missing out on the gold, Japan showed immense depth, with three skaters—Nakai Ami, Sakamoto Kaori, and others—consistently occupying the top of the leaderboard during the short program.
- International Field: The final featured a diverse range of talent, including Lorine Schild (France), Livia Kaiser (Switzerland), and Kimmy Repond (Switzerland).
Broader Figure Skating Results
The women’s final follows several other high-profile events at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Earlier this week, Japan’s Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi secured the gold medal in the Pairs competition with a world-record performance. In a surprising turn for the sport, Georgia earned its first-ever Winter Olympic medal in figure skating, taking silver in the Pairs event.
While the women’s individual event concluded yesterday, the Olympic spirit continues in Milan as the Games enter their final days. Today, 20 February, the focus shifts to qualification rounds in freestyle skiing and the closing stages of the curling and ice hockey tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the women’s figure skating gold at the 2026 Olympics?
Alysa Liu of the United States won the gold medal, becoming the first American woman to win the Olympic title in 24 years.
Where is the figure skating being held in 2026?
The events are held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan, Italy.
When did the women’s individual competition take place?
The short program was held on Tuesday, 17 February, and the free skate final took place on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
How many nations participated in figure skating at these Games?
A total of 142 competitors from 35 different nations participated across the five figure skating events.