Figure Skating: Alysa Liu returns on her own terms with Milano Cortina approaching
The U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu really thought she was done with the sport. After finishing sixth at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and taking bronze at the World Championships, Liu’s unexpected retirement announcement sent shockwaves through the figure skating community.
In a recent interview on 60 Minutes, Liu reflected on her dramatic departure: “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m calling quits right now.’ It was a crucial time in my life. I was 16 and college was coming up. I wanted to do so much. I went to Nepal, and I trekked to Everest Base Camp. I was really just livin’ it up.”
Having taken time off, Liu describes her “second act” in figure skating as a transition towards a more empowering and mature mindset. This new outlook enables her to feel more in command of her artistry. “I get to pick my own programme music. If I feel like I’m skating too much, I’ll back down,” she explained, underscoring her commitment to balance her passion and well-being.
In March 2025, at the World Championships in Boston, Liu showcased her remarkable journey back to the sport, earning the global title and becoming the first American woman to win in nearly two decades. “In my spin right before I hit my ending pose, I saw everybody already standing up,” she exclaimed. “Oh my God. I was like, ‘This is wild.’”
Liu’s return has been marked by a new sense of tranquility on the ice. Recently, she captured her first Grand Prix title at Skate America and then triumphed at the Grand Prix Final in this Olympic season, indicating her competitive prowess is at an all-time high.
With the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 just around the corner, Liu is embracing her return with positivity. “I’m really excited because my goal honestly is just to hype people up, give them an experience,” she shares about her Olympic ambitions. Her father, Arthur, who kick-started her journey, reminds fans of the immense dedication and financial investments made along the way.
As the upcoming Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Liu as she aspires to make waves on the world stage once again.
