Figure Skating's Teen Domination: The Cost of Early Success & Alysa Liu's Return

Alysa Liu's surprising retirement at 16 and her carefully considered comeback aim to reshape the sport's demanding culture.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The world of competitive figure skating is often defined by fleeting moments of brilliance and the intense pressure placed on young athletes. For Alysa Liu, that pressure led to a surprising retirement at just sixteen, but her story is far from over. Now, two years after stepping away from the ice, Liu is making a carefully considered return, determined to reclaim her passion for the sport on her own terms.

Why it matters

Liu's story highlights the complexities of navigating a demanding sport like figure skating as a teenager, as well as the broader shift in the sport towards prioritizing athlete well-being. Her return represents a potential new chapter, where skaters can maintain control over their training and artistic expression.

The details

Liu's initial ascent was meteoric, as she became the youngest U.S. National champion in history in 2019 at age 13. However, the intense pressure and rigid structure of the sport took a toll, leading her to retire in 2022. The fallout from the Kamila Valieva doping case at the 2022 Beijing Olympics prompted the International Skating Union to raise the minimum age for senior-level athletes to 17. Now, Liu is making a comeback on her own terms, with complete control over her training and artistic expression.

  • Liu became the youngest U.S. National champion in history in 2019, at the age of 13.
  • Liu secured a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships before announcing her retirement.
  • The International Skating Union raised the minimum age for senior-level athletes to 17 in the wake of the Kamila Valieva doping case.
  • Liu is making her carefully considered return to figure skating two years after stepping away from the ice.

The players

Alysa Liu

A former U.S. National figure skating champion who retired at age 16 but is now making a comeback on her own terms.

Arthur Liu

Alysa Liu's father, who was heavily involved in her training and career.

Kamila Valieva

A Russian figure skater who tested positive for a banned substance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, leading to controversy and changes in the sport.

Rafael Arutyunyan

A figure skating coach who has emphasized the importance of early training, stating 'You should receive ready for war before war started.'

Eteri Tutberidze

A figure skating coach whose training methods have been criticized for the potential for burnout among young athletes.

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What they’re saying

“You should receive ready for war before war started.”

— Rafael Arutyunyan, Figure Skating Coach (ESPN)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

As Liu prepares for her comeback, the figure skating world will be watching closely to see how her newfound autonomy translates to her performance on the ice and whether it will inspire a broader shift within the competitive landscape.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's return represents a new chapter, not just for her, but potentially for the sport of figure skating itself. By prioritizing her own well-being and creative control, she is challenging the traditional power dynamics and paving the way for a more sustainable and athlete-centered approach to the sport.