UC Students Compete for Medals at 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games are just around the corner, and two incredible UC students are gearing up to compete on the world stage. Alysa Liu and Troy Chang are ready to showcase their talents in figure skating and alpine ski racing, respectively. These accomplishments are no small feat for these young athletes, representing UC in prestigious Olympic events.

Both Alysa Liu and Troy Chang have already made waves in their respective sports, with Liu ranking as a heavy favorite for a gold medal in women’s figure skating. Liu’s journey to the Olympics is a remarkable one, considering that she had initially retired from skating after participating in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. However, her passion and dedication reignited, and now she is set to compete in Milan with her signature elegance and creativity on the ice.

On the other side, Troy Chang, a first-year UC San Diego student, will represent Chinese Taipei in alpine ski racing. Despite being new to the UC community, Chang has an impressive background in skiing, having started at a young age and honed his skills at a prestigious ski academy in the U.S. Now, he is ready to show the world what he’s made of at the Winter Olympics.

UC’s global forestry expert, Matteo M. Garbelotto-Benzon, has also played a significant role in the Olympic torch relay leading up to the Games. Garbelotto-Benzon, accompanied by his service dog S’Abba, carried the flame through his home region, showcasing the power of assistance animals in action. His story is a heartwarming example of dedication and service to the community.

As the Winter Olympics kick off, we can look forward to supporting our UC athletes in their pursuit of success. Alysa Liu and Troy Chang are just two of the talented individuals representing the UC community on the global stage. Stay tuned for their events and show your support for these remarkable students!