Alysa Liu's Olympic Gold Marks Triumph Over Skating's Toxic Culture

The 24-year-old's unconventional path back to the top of the sport shows the power of personal agency and joy over results-driven pressure.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Alysa Liu, a former U.S. national champion, stepped away from professional skating in 2022 due to burnout from the intense training regimen and pressure to perform as a teenager. After a two-year hiatus, she rediscovered her love for the sport on her own terms and made a triumphant return, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating in over 20 years. Her unorthodox song choice and vibrant personality highlighted her joy for the sport, rejecting the toxic culture that has plagued women's figure skating.

Why it matters

Alysa Liu's story represents a larger shift in athlete agency, where top competitors are prioritizing their own well-being and happiness over the relentless pursuit of results. Her comeback challenges the prevailing philosophy in women's figure skating that forces young athletes to burn bright and burn out, often at the expense of their mental and physical health.

The details

At 13, Alysa Liu was the youngest ever U.S. women's national champion and the first female skater to land a quad jump in competition. However, the intense training regimen and pressure to maintain her elite status took a toll, leading her to retire from the sport in 2022. After a two-year break, Liu returned to the ice with a renewed passion, rediscovering the joy of skating on her own terms. Her unconventional song choice and vibrant personality were on full display as she became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating since 2002.

  • In 2019, Alysa Liu was the youngest ever U.S. women's national champion at age 13.
  • In 2022, Alysa Liu retired from professional skating due to burnout.
  • In 2024, Alysa Liu returned to competitive skating after a two-year hiatus.
  • On March 5, 2026, Alysa Liu won the Olympic gold medal in figure skating.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 24-year-old American figure skater who won the Olympic gold medal in 2026, becoming the first American woman to do so in over 20 years.

Eteri Tutberidze

A legendary Russian figure skating coach known for her rigid philosophy that female skaters reach their technical peak at around age 14 or 15.

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What’s next

Alysa Liu's gold medal win is expected to inspire more young skaters to prioritize their own well-being and joy in the sport, potentially leading to a shift in the culture of women's figure skating.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's triumph over the toxic culture of women's figure skating shows that personal agency and the pursuit of joy can lead to greater success than the relentless drive for results at all costs. Her story is a powerful example of the importance of athlete empowerment and the rejection of exploitative training practices.