Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin News Announced After Winter Olympics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 7:51 PM ET

Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin had very different outcomes at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Both entered the Games with extremely high hopes, but only one of them emerged as a champion in the individual competition.

Liu and Malinin both performed in the team event. They helped lead Team USA to a gold medal, marking each figure skater’s first Olympic medal.

Malinin, however, fell apart in the individual free skate. He fell twice during his routine, resulting in an unexpected eighth-place finish.

Liu, on the other hand, dominated the women’s free skate. She turned in an awe-inspiring performance to win the gold medal.

Ilia Malinin of the United States of America acknowledges the crowd as he warms up before men's singles short program during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.© James Lang-Imagn Images

Despite the varying levels of success achieved by the two figure skating stars in the 2026 Olympics, there’s no denying that Liu and Malinin have both significantly impacted the sport over the past year. Apart from the Olympics, both are the reigning World Figure Skating champions in the men’s and women’s categories.

On Tuesday, it was announced that both athletes are now competing for the same honor. Liu and Malinin have been nominated for the 96th AAU Sullivan Award along with 15 other contenders.

According to its website, the Amateur Athletic Union Sullivan Award “honor the most outstanding collegiate, Olympic, or similar-level athlete in the United States.” The annual title has been bestowed since 1930. It is named after James E. Sullivan, the founder of the AAU.

Apart from Liu and Malinin, a number of Olympians will also be vying for this year’s title. This includes alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and figure skating couple Evan Bates and Madison Chock (nominated together). Also listed are NCAA star Azi Fudd and rugby icon Ilona Maher, among others.

Past winners of the prestigious award include Caitlin Clark (2022, 2023), Michael Phelps (2003), J.J. Redick (2005) and Peyton Manning (1997).

The winner will be determined by voting. The public voting period is now open and will continue through March 5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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