Alysa Liu's fresh outlook after hiatus leads to Olympic gold

The 20-year-old figure skater's carefree attitude and focus on mental health helped her win the first U.S. women's figure skating gold since 2002.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:06am

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Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old American figure skater, won the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics with a carefree and joyful performance. After a two-year hiatus from the sport, Liu returned with a renewed mindset, focusing on mental health and personal growth rather than the pressure to win. Her fresh outlook and individualistic approach, including her unique style and interests outside of skating, resonated with the crowd and helped her achieve the first U.S. women's figure skating gold medal since 2002.

Why it matters

Liu's story of walking away from the sport she loved, finding herself, and then returning with a newfound passion and perspective serves as an inspiration for athletes struggling with burnout and the mental strain of elite competition. Her gold medal win highlights the importance of mental health in sports and the value of embracing one's individuality, even in a traditionally rigid and conformist discipline like figure skating.

The details

After finishing sixth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the then-16-year-old Liu was so burned out that she abruptly decided to retire. For two years, she focused on her own interests, including backpacking trips and studying psychology at UCLA. When she launched her comeback, Liu was determined to do things her way, spending only as much time practicing as she wanted and having a say in every aspect of her programs and costumes. Her carefree attitude and genuine joy on the ice during her gold medal-winning performance stood in stark contrast to the intense pressure she had felt previously.

  • Liu finished sixth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
  • Liu retired from figure skating after the 2022 Olympics.
  • Liu returned to figure skating and began her comeback two years later.
  • Liu won the gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who won the gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, marking the first U.S. women's figure skating gold since 2002.

Phillip DiGuglielmo

One of Alysa Liu's coaches who embraced in a hug with Massimo Scali after Liu's gold medal-winning performance.

Massimo Scali

One of Alysa Liu's coaches who embraced in a hug with Phillip DiGuglielmo after Liu's gold medal-winning performance.

Tenley Albright

An American figure skater who won Olympic gold in 1956 and was in the crowd watching Alysa Liu's performance.

Johnny Weir

A two-time Olympian who called Alysa Liu's free skate for NBC, praising her for showing the world that there is more than one way to win in figure skating.

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What they’re saying

“My family is out there. My friends are out there. I had to put on a show for them. When I see other people out there smiling, because I see them in the audience, then I have to smile, too. I have no poker face.”

— Alysa Liu, Figure Skater

“I love that Alysa is showing the entire world, and especially our skating world, that there is more than one way to win.”

— Johnny Weir, Two-time Olympian

“Honestly, it was more than just work, it was experience. The last time I was skating, it was so rough. I genuinely can't begin to start on it. It took a lot to get to this point, and studying psychology has really helped. I love psychology.”

— Alysa Liu, Figure Skater

What’s next

Liu plans to continue advocating for mental health awareness in sports and inspiring others with her unique story and approach to figure skating.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's gold medal triumph at the Milan Cortina Olympics serves as a powerful reminder that there are many paths to success, and that embracing one's individuality and mental well-being can be the key to unlocking true greatness, even in the highly competitive world of elite figure skating.