Alysa Liu returns to Olympics after brief retirement

The 20-year-old figure skater is a favorite to win gold in Milan after a triumphant comeback.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alysa Liu, one of the top American figure skaters, is back at the Olympics after a brief retirement following the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. The 20-year-old from Oakland, California took a break from the sport to pursue other interests, but returned to competition in 2024 and has since won multiple major titles, including gold at the 2025 World Championships. Liu is now considered a heavy favorite to win gold in Milan.

Why it matters

Liu's comeback story is an inspiring one, as she stepped away from the sport at just 16 years old to focus on other aspects of her life. Her return to the top of figure skating demonstrates her resilience and passion for the sport. As one of the rising stars of American figure skating, Liu's performance in Milan will be closely watched.

The details

After competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she finished 8th overall, Liu announced her retirement from figure skating in April 2022. She cited a desire to do "other things" besides skating, including spending more time with family, applying to college, and pursuing other hobbies. However, Liu returned to the sport in early 2024 and has since won a string of major titles, including gold medals at the 2025 World Championships and 2025 World Team Trophy.

  • Liu competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in February.
  • She announced her retirement from figure skating in April 2022.
  • Liu returned to competitive figure skating in early 2024.
  • She won gold medals at the 2025 World Championships and 2025 World Team Trophy.
  • Liu is set to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who is a favorite to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Arthur Liu

Alysa Liu's father, who moved to the United States from China in the 1990s due to persecution.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I went through a whole year of school, and during winter break, I went skiing and I realized school was hard, but it was not challenging enough for me. I got into other things, like fashion, but I never went to the gym. Skating gave me something to be strong for. I love having willpower.”

— Alysa Liu (Cosmopolitan)

“They are probably just trying to intimidate us, to ... in a way threaten us not to say anything, to cause trouble to them and say anything political or related to human rights violations in China. I had concerns about her safety. The US government did a good job protecting her.”

— Arthur Liu, Alysa Liu's father (The Guardian)

What’s next

Liu is expected to be a heavy favorite to win gold in the women's singles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's comeback story is a testament to her resilience and passion for figure skating. After stepping away from the sport at just 16 years old, she has returned to the top of the sport and is now poised to win gold at the 2026 Olympics, showcasing the determination and drive that make her one of the rising stars of American figure skating.