Excitement Peaks in Milan and Cortina: Alysa Liu and Team USA Shine

Hello from Milan and Cortina! The Winter Olympics have ignited a fire of excitement, showcasing stunning performances and unforgettable moments. Central to today’s events was American figure skater Alysa Liu, who captured attention with her nearly flawless routine in the women’s free skate. The moment was pure gold, literally, as she expressed her delight with an exuberant exclamation: “That’s what I’m f—ing talking about!”

Liu not only thrilled audiences but also made history by winning the gold medal in women’s singles figure skating, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat since 2002—before she was even born. This achievement brought a long-awaited moment of joy to U.S. figure skating, adding a significant chapter to the sport’s history.

A Historic Day for Women’s Hockey

The excitement didn’t stop there; the U.S. women’s hockey team also experienced their moment of glory. In a nail-biting overtime clash against Canada, Team USA emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, clinching their first gold medal since 2018. This contest was thrilling, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness that defines Olympic hockey.

With our correspondents on the ground providing detailed coverage, check out NBC News for the latest updates. You can catch all the action streaming on Peacock.

Live from Milan Cortina: Alysa Liu’s Triumph

Alysa Liu’s performance was nothing short of magical. With a smile that encompassed her joy, she glided across the ice with artistry and precision. Upon finishing her free skate, Liu didn’t just complete her program; she exuded pure delight, sticking out her tongue and raising her hands in victory.

After stepping back to watch the remaining skaters, Liu’s anticipation escalated. When her score of 150.20 was announced, totaling 226.79, she realized she had vaulted from third place to the gold. Reflecting on her skate, Liu told NBC, “I just, like, can’t process this… There’s no way. I really liked my skate a lot.”

Fellow American Amber Glenn, who began her day in 13th place due to a misstep during the short program, made a remarkable comeback with a season-best score of 147.52 in the free skate, finishing fifth. Her determination showcased the resilience of U.S. figure skaters on this grand stage.

Golden Moments in Women’s Hockey

Just an hour earlier, the U.S. women’s hockey team faced a daunting challenge. After over 57 minutes of intense play, the Americans found themselves trailing Canada 1-0. Star forward Hilary Knight articulated the team’s struggle, saying they needed “to put one good shot on net.”

With less than two minutes remaining, a thrilling moment unfolded as Laila Edwards fired a shot that Knight deflected expertly into the net, tying the match. The tension rose until the overtime period, where Megan Keller performed a dazzling maneuver, scoring the game-winning goal and securing the gold medal.

Knight called it a “matter of time” before they broke through, celebrating not only their triumph but also her individual achievement as the all-time leading scorer for U.S. women’s hockey at the Olympics. “I’m just happy to have a gold medal. Oh, my gosh, this feels amazing,” she shared, encapsulating the overwhelming joy of the moment.

Speedskating Highlights

Speedskating also brought its share of nail-biting excitement. Jordan Stolz crossed the finish line of the 1,500-meter final, breathless but proud, claiming the silver medal behind China’s Zhongyan Ning, who delivered an exceptional performance. Despite feeling he “didn’t have one of [his] best” races, Stolz remained optimistic, sharing that he hoped for a silver if gold was out of reach.

Stolz, still eyeing the podium, prepares for the mass start event on Saturday, where he can aim for gold once again.

Photo of the Day

Each day of the Olympics has been adorned with stunning visuals, and today’s highlight captures the epitome of joy and victory. A Team USA hockey player celebrates with their gold medal, draped in an American flag and biting down in pure exhilaration—a snapshot of triumph that encapsulates the spirit of the games.

What’s Next? Tune In!

As the competitions continue, the men’s hockey quarterfinals promise unforgettable matchups, with the USA and Canada potentially on a collision course for the gold medal game. Fans won’t want to miss out on the thrilling action.

Set your reminders! Tomorrow’s schedule is packed with exciting events, including freestyle skiing, bobsledding, and short track speedskating, ensuring that the Olympic excitement lives on.