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Source: United States
Summary
Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater, won the gold medal in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, ending a 24-year drought for the United States. Liu’s free skate routine was themed around the joy of being on the ice and engaging with the crowd. She explained her creative process and mindset, stating “there’s no way to lose” and that a bad performance is still a story. Liu finished with a score of 226.79, the best she has achieved all season.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Liu’s free skate routine was a celebration of her creativity and joy, with a theme that echoed her post-performance emotions.
She worked the crowd, smiling and waving at those seated high up, and even yelled “That’s what I’m f—ing talking about!” during her celebration.
This one felt recognizable early, with Liu’s confidence and momentum building throughout the performance.
Original Observation: It’s not surprising that Liu’s joy was contagious, as her performance was a masterclass in embracing imperfection and having fun.
Author: Evan Null
