American figure skating star Alysa Liu achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy, winning two gold medals. However, following a mishap during her celebrations, she was required to return one of the medals.

What Happened

After the closing ceremony on February 22, 2026, it was reported that Liu’s first gold medal, awarded for the team event, became detached from its ribbon and sustained significant damage. Liu described the incident, stating, “I was just jumping up and down, as one does to celebrate, and it just dropped. It got very scratched up, pretty dented.” Despite her affection for the damaged medal, Olympic regulations mandated its return.

Why It Matters

Liu’s achievements are significant as she became the first American woman to win an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal in 24 years, finishing ahead of Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto by a narrow margin of 2.43 points. Her performances not only elevated her status as a prominent athlete but also contributed to the overall excitement of the Games, which saw Team GB secure five medals, including three golds.

What’s Next

As Liu returns to the United States without one of her original gold medals, the incident raises questions about the durability of Olympic medals. Andrea Franchisi, head of the Games’ operations headquarters, noted that the organizers are focusing on quality control to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Liu’s story will likely continue to resonate as she remains a key figure in American figure skating.

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