Alysa Liu Returns to Figure Skating, Eyes 2026 Winter Olympics
Alysa Liu, a prominent figure in the world of figure skating, has made a significant return to the sport, setting her sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. After a two-year hiatus, Liu returned to the ice following a period of personal growth and exploration.
Alysa Liu: A Comeback Story
Liu, who became the youngest women’s national champion in U.S. history at the age of 13, initially retired at 16, feeling burnt out from the demanding nature of the sport. During her time away from skating, she experienced life as a typical teenager, pursuing college studies and engaging in various activities such as mountain climbing and spending time with friends.
Return to Training
In the summer of 2024, Liu began training again, determined to skate on her own terms. By March 2025, at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, she showcased her talents with a dazzling performance that earned her the gold medal.
- Aged 19: Competed with a punk rock-inspired look, complete with dyed hair and a nose piercing.
- Gold Medal Performance: Featured an outstanding routine set to “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer.
- Historical Win: The last American woman to win the championship before Liu was just before her birth.
Reflecting on her victory, Liu stated, “It wasn’t the winning part that made me feel good; it was actually the skate program I did.” This enthusiasm has reinvigorated her passion for figure skating.
Milestones Leading to the Olympics
In late October 2025, Liu participated in press events in New York City, gearing up for the U.S. National Championships. Those championships would be crucial for her to secure a spot on the Olympic team. In January 2026, she successfully placed second at nationals, thus earning her chance to compete at the Olympics alongside fellow Team USA members.
- Olympic Aspirations: Liu is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Team USA: She will skate alongside Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, dubbed the “Blade Angels” on social media.
Personal Growth During the Hiatus
Growing up in Oakland, California, Liu was raised by her single father, Arthur, with her family dynamic impacting her childhood. The pressures of training often kept her away from home, but during her time off, she reconnected with her family and reclaimed her identity outside of skating.
Her experiences away from the rink helped Liu heal from past traumas associated with the sport. She stated, “When I quit, a lot of the toxicity I had attached to skating just disappeared.”
Redefined Purpose and Style
Now 20 years old, Liu embraces her individuality on and off the ice. She has taken full control of her skating career, choosing her own training routines, costumes, and even the music for her performances. Her newfound creative control reflects a significant shift in her approach to the sport.
Liu collaborates closely with her coaches, valuing the partnership in her training. “Nobody understands what they’re doing better than Alysa,” her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, noted, highlighting their collaborative efforts.
Looking Towards the Future
As Liu looks ahead to the upcoming Winter Olympics, she emphasizes her desire to express herself through her art rather than focusing solely on competition results. “I refuse to not choose my own destiny,” she asserts, embodying her commitment to personal expression.
With her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Alysa Liu represents not just a remarkable athlete, but a young woman redefining her narrative in the world of figure skating.
