Winter Olympics 2026: Alysa Liu won gold her way. That’s magic, says Aly Raisman
There are Olympic moments that feel big—and there are Olympic moments that feel healing.
For U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman, a three-time Olympic champion, watching Alysa Liu capture the women’s figure skating gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 was the latter.
“Alysa’s just really breaking down that wall and showing that when you love something and you also love yourself, you have confidence and belief in what you’re doing—anything is possible,” Raisman said, expressing amazement at Liu’s victory less than 24 hours after her performance. “It’s the belief in herself, but also the team that she’s created around her… It’s really amazing what can happen.”
Liu’s seamless blend of passion for the sport and authenticity resonated deeply with Raisman. The Olympic Games can be an intense pressure cooker, and Raisman, a veteran captain for the U.S. teams that clinched gold in London 2012 and Rio 2016, understands nerves well. However, Liu appeared poised and exuberant on the ice in Milano.
