What Happened to Alysa Liu?

Alysa Liu's journey in figure skating has been marked by early unprecedented success, a surprising retirement, and an even more stunning comeback. Born on August 8, 2005, Liu began skating at age five and quickly displayed prodigious talent. At just 13, she became the youngest U.S. women's national champion in 2019, a record-breaking achievement. She continued to make history, becoming the first U.S. woman to land a quadruple jump in competition and the first woman globally to land a quad and triple Axel in the same program.

Despite her rapid ascent, Liu announced her retirement from competitive skating in April 2022 at the age of 16, shortly after competing in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics where she placed sixth and winning a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships. She cited burnout and a desire to experience a normal teenage life, focusing on friends, family, and education, including enrolling at UCLA. Her father, Arthur Liu, noted that she had become "really unhappy" and "traumatized" by the pressures of the sport.

The hiatus, however, proved to be a period of self-discovery and renewed passion. In early 2024, inspired by the adrenaline rush of a skiing trip, Liu decided to return to the ice, approaching the sport with a new perspective and a focus on artistic expression and personal enjoyment. Her comeback was nothing short of spectacular. In her first season back, she finished second at the U.S. Championships and went on to win the 2025 World Championships in Boston, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so since 2006.

The pinnacle of her comeback arrived at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Liu delivered a flawless performance, securing the gold medal in the women's singles event, the first for an American woman in 24 years. She also contributed to Team USA's gold in the team event, making her a double Olympic champion. Following this historic success, Liu chose to withdraw from the 2026 World Championships in Prague, citing a hectic schedule and a desire to pursue other exciting opportunities, including fashion events and talk show appearances.

As of May 2026, Alysa Liu is actively participating in the Stars on Ice tour across the United States, enjoying her newfound celebrity and connection with fans. She has expressed her intention to continue competing in the 2026-27 Grand Prix season, demonstrating her enduring love for the sport on her own terms. She continues her education at UCLA, balancing her athletic and personal life.