Alysa Liu Addresses Figure Skating Future After 2022 Retirement

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is unsure about being a role model but plans to continue skating.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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United States figure skater Alysa Liu, who won gold in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, took center stage in the Figure Skating Exhibition Gala. Liu, who retired from the sport in 2022 at age 16 but made a triumphant return in 2024, is unsure whether she wants to be a role model but said she can't imagine not skating next year.

Why it matters

Liu's historic victory in the 2026 Olympics, becoming the first American figure skater to win an individual gold medal since 2002, has captivated the nation. Her decision to come out of retirement and continue competing has inspired younger skaters, though Liu is hesitant about embracing the role of role model.

The details

Liu, a native of Clovis, California, won the women's free skate gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, breaking a 24-year curse for the United States in the sport. She had previously retired from figure skating in 2022 at the age of 16, only to make a triumphant return in 2024 and win the World Figure Skating Championship the following year.

  • Liu won the women's free skate gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Liu performed in the Figure Skating Exhibition Gala on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Liu retired from figure skating in 2022 at the age of 16.
  • Liu made a triumphant return to the sport in 2024.
  • Liu won the World Figure Skating Championship in 2025.

The players

Alysa Liu

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first American figure skater to win an individual gold medal since 2002.

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What they’re saying

“Taking breaks is OK, and yeah, sometimes taking a step back is what's needed to see the full picture.”

— Alysa Liu (bellinghamherald.com)

“Well, I can't imagine not skating next year.”

— Alysa Liu (bellinghamherald.com)

What’s next

The 2030 Olympics will be held in the French Alps, and the expectation is that Liu will return to defend her title in the next edition of the Winter Games four years from now.

The takeaway

Liu's inspiring comeback and historic Olympic victory have captivated the nation, but she remains uncertain about embracing the role of a role model. Her decision to continue skating, however, suggests that she still has more to accomplish in the sport.