Figure Skater Alysa Liu Makes Comeback for 2026 Olympics

The 20-year-old is competing for Team USA after a surprise retirement in 2020.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater from the San Francisco Bay Area, is making a comeback to compete for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Liu, known for her bold style and viral social media presence, previously announced her retirement from skating in 2020 at the age of 16 after becoming a two-time U.S. national champion and competing in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She is now returning to the sport on her own terms, with more control over her music, costumes, and overall creative expression.

Why it matters

Liu's return to figure skating after a surprise retirement at a young age has captivated fans, as she has become an alternative icon in the sport known for her unapologetic personal style. Her comeback also highlights the challenges young athletes can face with the intense demands of competitive sports, and how taking a break can sometimes lead to a renewed passion.

The details

Liu began skating at age 5 and by 12 had become one of the most talked-about talents in American figure skating, landing a triple axel in international competition. She went on to win two U.S. national championships and compete in the 2022 Beijing Olympics before announcing her retirement in 2020, citing a desire to 'do other stuff' since she was so young. During her retirement, Liu hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp, spent more time with family, and enrolled at UCLA to study psychology. However, she realized she missed the adrenaline of competing and decided to return to the sport in 2024, largely with the 2026 Olympics in mind. One of her conditions for returning was having more control over her appearance, including picking her own music and designing her own costumes to match her personal style.

  • Alysa Liu began skating at age 5.
  • At age 12, Liu landed a triple axel in international competition.
  • Liu won two U.S. national championships and competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
  • In 2020, at age 16, Liu announced her retirement from skating.
  • Liu returned to skating in 2024 to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old figure skater from the San Francisco Bay Area who is competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics after a surprise retirement in 2020.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wanted to pick my own music, help design my own costumes, 'cause I developed my own taste and my own style. This is my sport, my program. Why wouldn't I want to be wearing what I want to wear?”

— Alysa Liu (Cosmopolitan)

What’s next

Alysa Liu will be competing in the Women's short program on February 17 and the Women's free skate on February 19 at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's comeback to figure skating after a surprise retirement at a young age highlights the challenges young athletes can face, as well as the importance of personal expression and creativity in sports. Her bold style and unapologetic presence have made her an alternative icon, inspiring fans who were told to conform to traditional ideals growing up.