American figure skater Alysa Liu thanked her coaching and support team for their help in preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics [1].

Liu's success represents a historic milestone for U.S. figure skating, marking the return of individual gold medals to the program after a long drought. Her performance underscores the critical role of specialized support systems in high-stakes athletic competition.

In an interview posted on TIME’s YouTube channel, Liu said the team enabled her to win gold medals at the Games [1, 5]. She credited the collaborative effort of her coaches, and staff for the preparation that led to her podium finishes [1].

Liu won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics [4]. Her victory is particularly significant as she secured Team USA's first individual figure-skating gold medal since 2002 [3].

The athlete's recognition of her team came during the February 2026 window of the Olympic Games [2, 3]. The acknowledgment highlighted the technical and mental preparation required to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Liu's achievements have already led to high-profile opportunities outside of the rink. Following her gold-medal win, she was named an ambassador for Louis Vuitton [3].

“Liu won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics.”

Liu's gold medals break a 24-year drought for U.S. individual figure skaters, signaling a shift in the global competitive landscape. By highlighting her support team, Liu emphasizes a modern, holistic approach to training where mental and technical support are as vital as the athlete's raw talent.