One of the most endearing things about the women's singles free skate finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics was the simple reminder thatsports are fun.
WhileAlysa Liu embodied thatin her seemingly effortlessly graceful routine, the silver and bronze medalists in Japan are representing two generations of skate in the Land of the Rising Sun. Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto and bronze medalist Ami Nakai stood alongside Liu on the podium as a triumvirate.
REQUIRED READING:Alysa Liu is happiest figure skater on Earth — and Olympic champion
It was a sweet moment away from the podium, however, that showed what the moment meant to gold and bronze. A clip was shared of Nakai jumping in excitement and Liu embracing her and hoisting her off the ground before just letting the moment take over and jumping for joy together.
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See the best moments from the Women's figure skating free skate as Alysa Liu wins a Gold medal to end a 20-year drought for American women.USA's Alysa Liu competes in the Women's figure skating free skate on Feb. 19, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Amber Glenn of United States competes in the Women's figure skating free skate on Feb. 19, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Livia Kaiser of Team Switzerland competes in the Women's figure skating free skate on Feb. 19, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See Alysa Liu's incredible Gold medal free skate performance
See the best moments from theWomen's figure skating free skateasAlysa Liuwins a Gold medal to end a 20-year drought for American women.USA's Alysa Liu competes in the Women's figure skating free skate on Feb. 19, 2026.
The infectiousness of the smiles cuts both ways.
"When I see other people smiling, I see them in the audience, I have to smile too," Liu said after she won gold. "I have no poker face."
Although this is Sakamoto's final Winter Olympics, the future is in good hands with 17-year-old Nakai, who turned heads from start to finish in Milan. "I started off feeling pretty nervous, but I was able to approach it with my usual self, my usual mindset. That part really felt good," Nakai said,per The Japan Times.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:17-year-old Ami Nakai hugs Alysa Liu after both skaters medal at Olympics
