Alysa Liu Shocks Japan, Secures Figure Skating Gold at Milan Cortina Olympics
The United States’ Alysa Liu has claimed gold in the women’s singles figure skating event at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, upsetting a strong Japanese contingent. Kaori Sakamoto secured silver, and Ami Nakai took bronze, marking a bittersweet day for the host nation.
Sakamoto’s Final Olympic Skate Ends in Silver
Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, competing in what she has indicated will be her final competitive season, delivered a strong performance but ultimately fell short of gold. Despite receiving the highest marks from seven of nine judges on her double axel jump, a flawed triple-triple combination proved costly. Her free program score of 147.67 contributed to an overall score of 224.90.
Sakamoto’s performance highlights the intense pressure faced by athletes at the Olympic level, where even minor errors can dramatically impact the final result. She adds a second silver medal to her collection from these Games, having also contributed to a stellar performance in the team event, alongside a bronze medal from the 2022 Olympics.
Nakai’s Promising Debut Falls Short
Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai, who led the short program, showcased her potential with a successful triple axel at the start of her free program. But, multiple errors in subsequent jumps limited her free program score to 140.45, resulting in a total score of 219.16 and a bronze medal.
Nakai’s performance demonstrates the challenges of maintaining consistency under pressure, particularly for athletes new to the Olympic stage. Her showing suggests a bright future for the young skater.
Chiba Mone’s Personal Best Not Enough for a Medal
Japanese skater Mone Chiba finished fourth, achieving a personal best score of 217.88. Although a commendable achievement, it wasn’t enough to secure a place on the podium.
Japan’s Rising Olympic Medal Count
With Sakamoto and Nakai’s medals, Japan’s total medal count at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games has risen to 24 – five gold, seven silver, and twelve bronze. This brings Japan’s all-time Winter Olympics medal count to 100.
Currently, Norway leads the medal standings with 16 gold medals, followed by the United States and Italy, both with nine.
Did you understand?
Alysa Liu’s winning total score of 226.79 represents a personal best for the American skater.
FAQ
Q: Who won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics?
A: Alysa Liu of the United States.
Q: What place did Kaori Sakamoto finish?
A: Silver.
Q: How many medals has Japan won at the 2026 Winter Olympics so far?
A: 24 medals (5 gold, 7 silver, 12 bronze).
Q: What is Sakamoto Kaori’s future in skating?
A: Sakamoto has indicated this is her last competitive season.
Explore more coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games here. Share your thoughts on the competition in the comments below!
