Alysa Liu surprises figure skating fans with return of triple Axel
The reigning women’s figure skating world champion, Alysa Liu, has sent ripples through the figure skating community with a remarkable training video she shared on Instagram. On Monday, December 15, Liu showcased her ability to land a successful triple Axel, a jump known for its difficulty and rarity among female skaters.
Athletes and fans alike clearly reacted with excitement. Team USA members took to the comments section; two-time national champion Amber Glenn proclaimed “Slayyyyyy”, while Olympic champion Karen Chen expressed her admiration with “I KNEW IT!!” This moment is not just another viral post but a significant turning point for the 20-year-old who has been in and out of the spotlight recently.
Liu, a California native, is on a mission to revitalize her figure skating career. After announcing her retirement from the sport in April 2022 at the young age of 16, following a seventh-place finish at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, she made a triumphant return. Her focus now is centered on making a significant impact at the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026, which is set to start on February 6.
As Alysa rebuilds her skating program, it’s essential to note that athletes’ participation in the Olympic Games is determined by their National Olympic Committees (NOCs). For potentially competing in Milano Cortina, Liu is actively pursuing her selection for Team USA. She’s a two-time U.S. champion, clinching her first title in 2019 at merely 13 years old.
Returning to the ice for the 2024-25 season, Liu now expresses newfound independence in her artistic expressions, stating, “Skating is my skating now. It’s all me now.” Upgrading her difficulty level clearly positions her as a formidable contender again.
If Liu continues to elevate her technique and artistry, she is destined to be in the conversation for medals at upcoming competitions, making her supporters and the figure skating world eagerly anticipate her next moves.
