The moment Alysa Liu’s Olympic gold medal fell apart was a scene straight out of a movie—except this time, it was real life. Just hours after helping Team USA secure gold in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Liu shared with the world that her medal didn’t quite survive the celebrations unscathed. While bouncing around in excitement, the 20-year-old’s medal unexpectedly separated from its ribbon, taking on visible damage in the process.
Surprisingly, Liu didn’t seem fazed by the wear and tear on her medal. In fact, she mentioned in an interview with Overtime that she actually liked it more once it was off the ribbon. Unfortunately, officials intervened and Liu was forced to part ways with her beloved damaged medal. But she took it all in stride, jokingly mentioning, “I actually liked it when it was off the ribbon, but that’s not allowed. I had to give it in. I was like, ‘Can’t you just fix this one?’ I’m attached. But it’s OK, I’m detached. Just like it was.”
The mishap with Liu’s medal was not an isolated incident. U.S. alpine skier Breezy Johnson also experienced a similar issue when her gold medal separated from its ribbon during the celebrations. And Germany’s Justus Strelow faced a similar fate with his bronze medal falling to the ground as well. Organizers took notice of the growing trend and addressed concerns promptly. Chief Games Operations Officer for Milano Cortina 2026, Andrea Francisi, assured the public that officials are looking into the matter closely, emphasizing the importance of the podium moment for athletes.
The unexpected incidents with the Olympic medals may have caused a stir, but they also shed light on the moments of vulnerability and imperfection that make these athletes human. In a world where perfection is often glamorized, these small hiccups serve as a reminder that even in moments of triumph, there is always room for mishaps. As the athletes navigate through these unexpected challenges with grace and humor, it’s a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.