Alysa Liu wins gold, ends 20-year US women's figure skating drought

Alysa Liu ends 20-year US women's skating drought

Alysa Liu won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Thursday, ending a two-decade podium drought for the United States. The last American woman to medal was Sasha Cohen, who won silver in 2006.

Liu skated a flawless free program to claim the top spot with a total score of 226.79. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto took silver with 224.90, and her teammate Ami Nakai won bronze with 219.16.

Amber Glenn's dramatic redemption skate

Fellow American Amber Glenn delivered a dramatic performance after a disastrous short program left her in 13th place. Skating first in the free skate final, Glenn landed a rare triple axel and posted a free skate score of 147.52.

Her total of 214.91 temporarily put her in first place. "She went on to skate a strong routine worthy of her skills," the report noted, though a slight bobble late kept it from perfection. Glenn ultimately finished in fifth place.

The third American contender, Isabeau Levito, finished in 12th place with a total score of 202.80.

US women's hockey wins gold in overtime thriller

The United States women's hockey team won gold in a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. Veteran Hilary Knight tied the game with a clutch redirect late in the third period, sending the match to overtime.

Defenseman Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal just over four minutes into the extra period. The win secured the gold medal for Team USA in a tense rematch of the historic rivalry.

Jordan Stolz adds silver to his gold medal haul

Speed skater Jordan Stolz, who had already won gold in the 500m and 1000m, earned a silver medal in the 1500m. The 21-year-old was favored to win but finished second to China's Zhongyan Ning.

Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis took the bronze. Stolz has one event remaining in his debut Games: Saturday's mass start.

US women's curling clinches playoff spot

The United States women's curling team secured a spot in the semifinals with a narrow 7-6 win over Switzerland. The match went to an extra end and was decided by a precise final shot from skip Tabitha Peterson.

The victory came after Team USA gave up three points in the 10th end. The win guarantees the Americans a chance to play for a medal.

Key facts from Thursday's Olympic action

• Figure Skating: Alysa Liu (USA) wins gold with 226.79. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto (224.90) and Ami Nakai (219.16) complete the podium.
• Women's Hockey: USA defeats Canada 2-1 in overtime. Megan Keller scores the OT winner.
• Speed Skating: Jordan Stolz (USA) wins 1500m silver. China's Zhongyan Ning takes gold.
• Curling: US women's team beats Switzerland 7-6 to advance to the semifinals.

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics continue through February 22. Coverage is available on NBC and streaming on Peacock.