Olympic hero Alysa Liu to sit out figure skating season before 2027 return

Alysa Liu, the American figure skating prodigy and Olympic gold medalist, has declared she will not compete during the 2026-27 figure skating season. This hiatus marks another deliberate pause in a career characterized by early achievements, personal challenges, and a remarkable resurgence.

At just 21 years old, Liu has already experienced a trajectory few athletes encounter. She first grabbed national headlines as the youngest U.S. women's champion at age 13, a feat underscored by her petite stature and extraordinary technical abilities. However, the intensity of her early career led to burnout, prompting a retirement at 16 following her 2022 Olympic debut in Beijing.

During her time away from the competitive scene, Liu redefined her identity beyond skating. She pursued academic studies in psychology at UCLA and sought personal growth through travel and outdoor adventures, including a notable trek in the Himalayas. This period allowed her to distance herself from the pressures of elite competition and rediscover her passion on her own terms.

The catalyst for Liu's return emerged unexpectedly during a ski trip, reigniting her desire to skate. Gradually, she resumed training at public sessions, finding that her foundational skills persisted despite the break. Determined to reclaim her career with greater autonomy over her training and creative choices, she shifted focus from purely competitive goals to personal expression and artistic development.

This recalibrated approach culminated in a stunning comeback. Liu captured the World Championship title in 2025, becoming the first American woman to do so since 2006. Her momentum carried into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she secured the women's singles gold, the first American to win since 2002, and contributed to the U.S. team's victory.

Following the Olympics, Liu engaged in various high-profile activities, including performances on the Stars on Ice tour and appearances at major fashion events like Paris Fashion Week and the Met Gala. A homecoming celebration in Oakland drew thousands and included official recognition from city leadership.

Despite these successes and opportunities, Liu assessed her physical and emotional well-being over the summer and reached the conclusion that stepping back from competition was necessary. She emphasized the importance of evolving her artistry and skating skills away from the constraints of competitive schedules, with ongoing guidance from her longtime coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali.

Her decision to sit out the upcoming season reflects a commitment to growth and sustainability in her sport. Liu plans to continue training intensively, focusing on refining all aspects of her skating, including jumps, spins, and performance quality, with an eye toward returning to the ice refreshed in 2027.

This pause follows a pattern of Liu taking control of her career trajectory on her own terms, prioritizing mental health and personal development alongside athletic ambition. While details about her future competitive plans remain limited, her coaches have publicly supported the choice as the most sensible from multiple perspectives.

As Liu steps away from the competitive spotlight temporarily, her journey remains a compelling example of resilience and self-determination. The skating community and fans alike will be watching closely for her anticipated return, hopeful that her renewed focus will lead to continued success and artistic evolution.