Alysa Liu has captured global attention at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, delivering an unforgettable performance in the women’s figure skating short program that has cemented her status as one of the most compelling stars in the sport today.
At the Olympic women’s short program, Liu produced a clean and confident routine, earning 76.59 points and placing third behind Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto in a highly competitive field. Her performance included technically challenging elements and artistry that delighted audiences worldwide, helping position her as a strong medal contender heading into the free skate.
Alysa Liu’s 2026 Short Program Performance
Liu’s short program at the Olympics was a highlight of the event, blending athletic prowess with emotional depth. Showcasing a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination and crisp spins, she impressed judges and spectators alike with a poised skate that reflected both technical skill and maturity.
Her comeback story has resonated with fans: after a brief retirement following the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing at age 16, Liu returned to competition in 2024 with fresh determination, culminating in winning the 2025 World Championship — the first U.S. woman to do so in nearly two decades.
The Music & Choreography Behind the Short Program
For the 2025–26 season, Liu refined her short program to the song “Promise” by Laufey, a choice that has become synonymous with her resurgence on the international stage. Earlier in the season, she experimented with a different musical selection but ultimately returned to Promise, a piece that highlights both her expressive capacity and technical strengths.
Who Is Alysa Liu’s Coach?
Alysa Liu’s coaching has played a pivotal role in her development, especially through her comeback. Currently, she works closely with Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, long-time figures in her support team. DiGuglielmo, known for his tailored approach to elite skaters, has been particularly influential in helping Liu regain confidence and refine her programs while giving her more control over her competitive choices. Scali complements this with choreography that accentuates her technical elements and artistic flair.
Earlier in her career, Liu was coached for many years by Laura Lipetsky, who helped develop her foundational skills from a young age. Lipetsky guided Liu through numerous national and international successes, including her record-making feats as the youngest U.S. national champion.
Why the 2026 Olympics Matter for Liu
The 2026 Winter Olympics represent both a personal and professional milestone for Liu. After stepping away from elite competition in her teens, she returned with a renewed love for skating — an important mental shift that has transformed her performances. Competing on her own terms, she now expresses joy and authenticity in her skating while showcasing the technical difficulty expected of world-class athletes.
Her Olympic short program not only kept her in medal contention but also reflected a deeper evolution: from prodigy to mature competitor who relishes representing the United States on the biggest stage in sports.
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