Alysa Liu is built differently.
The reigning world champion in women’s figure skating is embracing a unique lifestyle as she steps onto the ice for her Olympic season. The 20-year-old stars in her own story, having stayed up until 4 AM playing video games with her younger siblings the night before her Skate America debut.
“Meticulous sleep schedule? Not for me,” Liu openly shared during a recent teleconference. “Every time I travel internationally, I always pull an all-nighter before my flight because I struggle with jet lag. So, I play hard and just don’t sleep before my flights, so I can crash on the plane.”
This refreshingly casual “go ham” mentality has accompanied Liu on her exhilarating journey back to elite figure skating. Just a year after retiring briefly, she astonished everyone with her world title win earlier this year in Boston, becoming the first U.S. woman to claim gold since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
But it isn’t just her competitive edge that sets Liu apart; her lifestyle is largely influenced by her inner peace. “I’m trying to stay grounded,” she emphasized. “Traveling as an athlete can feel like a fast life, and I have to counteract that.”
Heading into Skate America, Liu aims for her first-ever Grand Prix gold after earning a silver at the Cup of China last month. This competition marks a significant milestone for her—a first-time contender at Skate America.
“I don’t really feel nervous,” Liu stated about her upcoming performance, adding her lack of anxiety stems from her ability to enjoy life outside skating. “Life is great; I have much control over it.” This approach cultivates a confidence that allows her to stand out amongst the sport’s elite.
As Liu prepares to grace the ice in Lake Placid, New York this weekend, she is also focused on securing her slot at the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya next month—a pivotal moment in her Olympic journey.
Off the ice, Liu fosters deep connections with friends beyond the sport, emphasizing the importance of human relationships. “Being a good friend fulfills me,” she said, reflecting the balance she strives to maintain in life.
Alysa Liu’s journey encapsulates not just the pursuit of ice skating excellence but also the joy of authentic human connection, setting a vibrant tone as she eyes Olympic aspirations in February.
