Alysa Liu Shines for USA at Olympics with Fresh Life Perspective
Alysa Liu has returned to the Olympics, showcasing her growth and renewed passion for figure skating. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan marks an important chapter in Liu’s career, a stark contrast to her experience at the Beijing Olympics four years prior.
Alysa Liu’s New Perspective at the 2026 Winter Olympics
At just 16, Liu participated in the 2022 Beijing Games, a time when the pressure of skating overwhelmed her. Four years later, she approaches the competition with a fresh mindset and self-awareness. “I know who I am as a person now,” Liu stated after a performance that placed her second in the short program.
The Journey Back to Skating
Following her sixth-place finish at the 2022 Games, Liu briefly stepped away from the sport. However, she returned with a renewed love for skating. In 2025, she made history by becoming the first American woman to win a world title in 19 years.
Performance at the Milan Cortina Games
Liu competed on February 6, 2026, in the women’s team event and helped secure the U.S. team’s lead after three out of eight programs. Although she faced a wobbly landing during her routine, her performance was commendable, especially given the fierce competition from three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan.
A Strong Support System
Liu draws encouragement from her teammates, referring to them as the “Blade Angels.” This nickname reflects their synergy and motivation as they compete together. “That energy is what I crave,” she said, emphasizing the positivity within the team.
Changes in Competition Rules
Recent rule changes in figure skating have raised the minimum age for competitors to 17. This shift, a reaction to a doping scandal in 2022, ensures skaters’ physical and mental well-being. Liu, notably, is the only skater from a youthful cohort to return to the Olympics.
Reflecting on these changes, she shared her perspective: “Sixteen-year-old me would have loved if I couldn’t go to the Olympics, so I wouldn’t have minded it. To perform on such a grand stage requires maturity, which comes from experience.”
Alysa Liu’s journey is a testament to resilience and personal growth, showcasing her evolution as a skater and individual. Her performances at the 2026 Winter Olympics continue to inspire many as she embraces her journey with optimism.
