Alysa Liu Shines with a Day Full of Inspiring Comebacks

U.S. Women Win Gold in Thrilling Comeback at Milan-Cortina Olympics

The U.S. women’s hockey team secured a dramatic gold medal victory against Canada in a thrilling overtime finish at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Team Captain Hilary Knight scored a last-minute goal, leading to a 2-1 win that marked the U.S. team’s triumph. This victory adds to a remarkable few days for the American delegation, which also celebrated its first women’s figure skating gold medal since 2002, courtesy of Alysa Liu.

Thursday showcased the heightened excitement that characterizes the Olympics, with the U.S. women’s hockey team rallying from a 1-0 deficit. With just two minutes left in regulation, Knight deflected a shot to tie the game. Overtime, played with three skaters per side, added to the tension, culminating in Megan Keller’s goal that clinched the gold for the U.S.

The figure skating finals that followed also brought significant drama. Amber Glenn made an impressive free skate performance, initially leading the standings before finishing fifth. Liu skated second to last, delivering a standout performance to Donna Summer’s "MacArthur Park," securing her own gold medal. The Japanese competitors, who led after the short program, faltered, allowing Liu to capture the top spot.

In men’s speedskating, Jordan Stolz continued to shine, claiming a silver medal in the 1,500 meters while China’s Zhongyan Ning took gold. Stolz, already a two-time gold medalist, will next compete in the men’s mass start on Saturday.

As the competition nears its conclusion, Norway remains firmly in the lead in the overall medal tally, boasting 34 medals. Italy follows with 26, while the U.S. sits closely behind at 25, with France accumulating 19 medals. A total of 21 sets of medals remain to be awarded.

On the final three days of competition, predictions for potential medal winners include:

• Biathlon: Men’s mass start – Norway, France, Sweden; Women’s mass start – France, Norway, Italy.
• Bobsled: Two-woman – Germany; Four-man – Germany, Italy.
• Cross-country: Men’s 50km mass start – Norway, Sweden; Women’s 50km mass start – Sweden, Norway.
• Curling: Men – Switzerland, Canada; Women – Sweden, U.S.
• Freestyle skiing: Various events with U.S. competitors expected to rank highly.

Updates from Thursday

In other Olympic news, the U.S. women’s curling team concluded pool play with a 7-6 victory over Switzerland, setting the stage for their semifinal matchup with the same team.

Thursday also marked the inaugural day of ski mountaineering, where competitors navigate a challenging course combining skiing, climbing, and agility. Switzerland’s Marianne Fatton took gold in the women’s sprint, while Spain’s men’s sprint winner led the way in this new Olympic event.

The Nordic combined concluded its competition, with Norway finishing atop the podium for the gold. The U.S. team placed seventh.

Viewing Guide for Friday

Fans can look forward to an exciting day of events, including the freestyle men’s aerials and the women’s curling semifinal between the U.S. and Switzerland. A total of seven gold medals are set to be contested, ensuring a thrilling Friday lineup.

The Olympic spirit continues to unfold, with each day offering a mix of competition and drama as athletes strive for victory on the world stage.