Alysa Liu Wins ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete

The 20‑year‑old skater captivated the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, clinching gold in both the women’s singles and mixed team events. Her triumphant performance marked the first time a U.S. woman has taken gold in the singles category since 2002. Liu’s dazzling routine to Laufey’s “Promise” not only went viral but also led to a cameo in the pop star’s music video.

Gold Medals and Historic Firsts

At the 2026 Games, Liu delivered two gold medals, solidifying her status as a top contender on the world stage. Her victory in the mixed team event added a new dimension to her already impressive résumé. The applause from the Milan crowd echoed her earlier bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she also finished sixth in the individual competition.

Liu’s rise began early. At just 13 she became the youngest U.S. National Champion and repeated the feat the following year, earning titles in 2019 and 2020. Her technical prowess includes being the youngest skater to land a triple Axel and she has also executed quadruple Axel jumps in international competitions. This blend of speed and precision earned her praise for both skill and creativity.

ESPY Recognition

On July 15, 2026, Liu stood on the ESPY stage at New York City’s Lincoln Center to accept the Best Breakthrough Athlete award. She triumphed over notable contenders such as Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Las Vegas rookie Fernando Mendoza, and San Jose Shark Macklin Celebrini. In her acceptance remarks, Liu reflected on her journey, mentioning a two‑year break from the sport and her determination to return on her own terms.

Her Olympic comeback was not just about medals. Liu skated back into the hearts of fans after a brief retirement, capturing attention with a performance that mirrored her personal resurgence. The routine’s emotional resonance helped her secure gold and also sparked a collaboration with Laufey, featuring her in the “Mad Woman” video alongside other rising stars. This cross‑genre exposure highlighted how figure skating can intersect with modern music culture.

Career Highlights and Future Plans

• Olympic Medals: Gold in women’s singles and mixed team (2026 Milan)
• World Championship Standings: Bronze with team (2022 Beijing) and sixth place individual (2022)
• U.S. National Championships: Two titles (2019, 2020); youngest winner at age 13
• Technical Achievements: Youngest triple Axel; performed quadruple Axel jumps internationally
• ESPY Award: Best Breakthrough Athlete (2026)

Following her Olympic triumph, Liu announced she would not compete at the 2026 ISU Figure Skating World Championships, opting instead to focus on new projects and cheering from the sidelines. She shared that “there’s been a lot of exciting things happening since my return from Milan,” signaling a period of transition and potential growth beyond the ice.

Looking ahead, Liu’s blend of athletic excellence and cultural relevance positions her as a defining figure for the next generation of skaters. Fans and analysts alike will watch how she balances competition, artistic collaborations, and personal development in the seasons to come.