Figure Skater Alysa Liu Stages Remarkable Comeback After 2-Year Retirement

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Alysa Liu, the youngest U.S. figure skating champion at age 13 and an Olympic gold medalist, announced her retirement from the sport at age 16. After a two-year break, Liu returned to skating and went on to win the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships. Her coach initially tried to talk her out of a comeback, but Liu convinced him and has since competed at the highest levels, including qualifying for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Why it matters

Liu's story highlights the mental health challenges that young athletes can face, even at the pinnacle of their careers. Her decision to step away from the sport and then return on her own terms demonstrates the importance of work-life balance and finding personal fulfillment, even in highly competitive fields.

The details

At age 16, Liu said she "hated skating" and had been planning her exit for a year before retiring. During her two-year break, she spent time with family, friends, and pursued new hobbies like skiing. One day, she ventured back onto the ice and realized she enjoyed it again. After convincing her longtime coach to support her comeback, Liu trained for just seven months before winning the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships - a feat her coach says is unprecedented.

• At age 13, Liu became the youngest U.S. figure skating champion.
• At age 16, Liu announced her retirement from figure skating.
• For the next two years, Liu took a break from skating to focus on her personal life.
• In 2025, Liu won the World Figure Skating Championships.
• In 2026, Liu is competing at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Liu will compete in the women's singles figure skating competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, where she will look to add an individual gold medal to her Olympic resume.