The figure skating community and fans worldwide were deeply moved just moments ago as Alysa Liu, the newly crowned women’s singles gold medalist from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, made a heartfelt and inspiring gesture in response to news about the health of legendary Olympic champion Scott Hamilton.
Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic gold medalist who revolutionized men’s figure skating with his athleticism, charisma, and iconic backflip, has long been a beacon of resilience. Over the years, he has battled multiple health challenges, including testicular cancer diagnosed in 1997, from which he fully recovered after treatment. He has also faced recurrent benign brain tumors—first discovered in 2004, with surgeries in 2004 and 2010, and another diagnosis in 2016.
Hamilton has chosen to manage the latest recurrence without further invasive treatment, opting instead for a proactive, holistic approach including medication, a plant-based diet, exercise, and alternative therapies like cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen. In recent interviews from late 2025, he shared an optimistic outlook, stating he is “living fully, living healthy, living without restriction” while on lifelong medication. Hamilton remains active through his Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which funds innovative cancer research aimed at treatments that minimize long-term side effects, and he continues organizing benefit events like Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer shows scheduled into 2026.
The heartbreaking updates on Hamilton’s ongoing journey with his brain tumor resurfaced prominently during the Olympics, where he served as a respected commentator for NBC Sports, offering insightful analysis on the women’s event. His emotional reactions to performances, including calling Alysa Liu’s gold-medal-winning free skate a display of pure “joy” and love for the sport, resonated deeply with viewers. Hamilton’s words of praise—”WHAT. A. NIGHT!!!! Congratulations Alysa Liu on the greatest achievement of our sport. You deserve it, and you’re a true inspiration”—highlighted the mutual respect within the skating family.
Upon learning more about Hamilton’s current health situation amid the Olympic spotlight, Alysa Liu—fresh off her historic victory as the first American woman to claim Olympic women’s singles gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002—took immediate and touching action. In a gesture that has since gone viral across social media and fan communities, Liu personally reached out to Hamilton and his family with a private message of support, followed by a public dedication that captured hearts everywhere.
In a post shared on her official channels shortly after the news circulated, Liu wrote: “Hearing about Scott Hamilton’s strength and the way he’s facing everything with such grace reminds me why this sport is so special. Scott has inspired generations, including me, with his courage on and off the ice. To him and his family—thank you for showing us what true resilience looks like. I’m donating a portion of my Olympic prize money to the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation in honor of your fight, and I’m sending all my love and prayers your way.”
This act of generosity and solidarity was not just financial; Liu also expressed her intention to participate in a future CARES Foundation event or benefit skate, using her new platform as Olympic champion to amplify Hamilton’s mission of turning cancer research “upside down” and funding advancements that prioritize patient quality of life.
The response from the global figure skating community was overwhelming. Fans flooded social media with messages of admiration, calling Liu’s gesture “classy,” “heartwarming,” and “a perfect example of what sportsmanship truly means.” Fellow skaters, coaches, and even past Olympians chimed in, praising the 20-year-old American for her humility and kindness at such a high-profile moment in her career. Hamilton, known for his positivity, reportedly responded with gratitude, noting how such support fuels his ongoing work and reminds him of the skating family’s unbreakable bond.
Liu’s victory itself was already legendary: entering the free skate in third place after a solid short program, she delivered a flawless, emotionally charged performance to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite,” landing clean triple jumps, showcasing exquisite components, and earning a season-best 150.20 in the free skate for a total of 226.79—enough to edge out silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan. Her gold, combined with her contribution to the U.S. team event triumph, marked a triumphant return after a brief retirement, solidifying her as one of the breakout stars of Milano-Cortina 2026.
Yet in the midst of celebration, Liu chose to shine a light on someone else’s fight. Her noble gesture underscores a deeper truth about figure skating: beyond the medals, spins, and jumps lies a community built on mutual inspiration, perseverance, and compassion. Hamilton’s lifelong battle with cancer has made him more than a commentator or former champion—he’s a living symbol of hope. By stepping up, Liu not only honored a legend but also inspired countless others facing their own challenges.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw to a close, stories like this remind us why the Games transcend competition. Alysa Liu’s thoughtful action toward Scott Hamilton and his family has touched millions, proving that true greatness is measured not just in gold, but in the kindness we show when the spotlight is brightest. In a world that often focuses on rivalry, this moment of unity between two generations of skating icons stands as a beautiful testament to the enduring spirit of the sport.
Fans can support the cause by visiting the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation website to learn more about their work or contribute to ongoing research efforts. Liu’s gesture has already sparked a wave of donations and awareness, ensuring Hamilton’s legacy continues to “turn cancer upside down” for years to come.
