Alysa Liu’s Turbulent Journey to Olympic Figure Skating
American figure skating star Alysa Liu is gearing up for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, scheduled for February 2026. Liu, who previously stepped back from the sport after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, has faced numerous challenges leading to her Olympic preparations.
Alysa Liu’s Journey to Olympic Figure Skating
At just 20 years old, Alysa Liu has already made history in the sport. She was the first American female figure skater to land a quadruple jump in competition and holds the record for the youngest female to perform the triple axel, widely regarded as one of the most difficult jumps in women’s figure skating.
Setting the Stage for Success
In July 2025, Liu met with her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, and choreographer Massimo Scali in Oakland, California, to finalize her free skate program. Time was a critical factor, as many competitors had arms full of completed routines, while Liu was still fine-tuning her music selections. The team faced pressure to better her rousing presentation from the previous year’s World Championships in Boston.
- Past Achievements: Liu won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at ages 13 and 14.
- World Championships: At the 2025 World Championships in Boston, she delivered a critical performance set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.”
- 2022 Beijing Olympics: Liu finished sixth in her Olympic debut.
The Creative Process
Creating a skating program is as much about artistry as it is about technical precision. Liu, DiGuglielmo, and Scali collaborated closely, often likening their dynamic to that of a family—comfortable yet occasionally chaotic. During the creative process, they pursued various Lady Gaga songs to use for her routines, threading through tracks like “Bloody Mary” and “Bad Romance.”
Despite the excitement, disagreements surfaced. Liu was determined to have her creative input respected. She maintained a record of song ideas and costume designs on her phone, showcasing her deep connection to the sport.
Challenges and Setbacks
After returning to ice skating in early 2024, Liu dealt with several obstacles. A scandal involving a celebrity led her team to scrap her originally planned short program, sending them back to the drawing board just months before the Olympics. Although she wanted to include new tracks in her free skate routine, finding the right mix turned out to be a demanding task.
As competition drew closer, Liu made the decision to revisit her earlier successes—ultimately returning to her well-received program set to “MacArthur Park.”
A Unique Approach to Competition
Liu’s approach to competition is vibrant and unorthodox. She often incorporates aspects of her personality and interests into her routines. As part of her preparation, Liu frequently communicates with her team about song selections and costume ideas, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom in competitive figure skating.
Her journey back to the ice serves not only to reclaim her position on the podium but to showcase her unique vision. With expert coaching and self-advocacy, Liu’s capacity to blend her vibrant ideas into her routines keeps fans and judges alike on their toes.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
As Liu prepares for the Olympics, her focus is on performing with joy and passion. After an unpredictable but rewarding lead-up to the event, she is determined to shine under the spotlight in Milan. Her experience thus far has demonstrated her resilience and adaptability in the fast-paced world of figure skating.
In summary, Alysa Liu’s journey to the Olympics is a testament to her unique artistic vision and indomitable spirit. With the support of her dedicated team, she stands poised to make waves on the ice once again.
