Alysa Liu took her place on the top step of the Olympic podium and threw both hands in the air.
The U.S. figure skater who won her first national title at 13 years old, walked away from the sport at 16, came back at 18, became world champion at 19 was now an Olympic gold medalist at 20, the first American woman to capture individual gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
"I literally can't process this," she said shortly after winning. https://t.co/qhzZywKNTw
To all the athletes representing @TeamUSA: I'm so proud of you. Your talent and perseverance have brought you to this moment, and Michelle and I will be joining Americans from across the country cheering you on.