Olympic Champ Alysa Liu Advises Parents: Don't Push Kids to Stay in Sports

The figure skater credits taking a break from the sport for her renewed joy in competing.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Ice skating star Alysa Liu, who has two Olympic gold medals, is advising parents not to force their kids to stay in sports they want to quit. Liu, who took a break from figure skating at age 16 before returning to the ice, says kids know themselves best and forcing them to continue can backfire. She suggests parents have open discussions with their children about any issues and consider temporary breaks or quitting altogether if the activity is draining rather than fulfilling for the child.

Why it matters

Liu's advice highlights the importance of supporting children's autonomy and wellbeing, even when they show talent in a particular sport. Pushing kids to continue can lead to burnout, loss of passion, and long-term disengagement from the activity. Her perspective provides a counterpoint to the common pressure many young athletes face to keep competing.

The details

After winning gold at the Beijing Olympics, then-16-year-old Alysa Liu decided to retire from figure skating completely. She credits that break, and returning to the ice on her own terms, with the joy she now displays in her performances. Liu shared this advice during an appearance on the "TODAY" show, urging parents not to force their children to stay in sports they want to quit, even if the kids show talent. Psychotherapist Lynn Lyons recommends parents first have open discussions to understand the child's perspective and collectively brainstorm solutions before making decisions about continuing or quitting an activity.

  • In 2022, Alysa Liu won gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
  • In 2023, at age 16, Liu decided to retire from figure skating.
  • On March 2, 2026, Liu shared her advice for parents on the "TODAY" show.

The players

Alysa Liu

A two-time Olympic gold medalist in figure skating who took a break from the sport at age 16 before returning to compete.

Lynn Lyons

A psychotherapist who recommends parents have open discussions with their children about continuing or quitting an activity.

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What they’re saying

“Don't. It does not work. The kid knows himself pretty well, and it's just never good to force anything.”

— Alysa Liu, Olympic Figure Skater (TODAY)

“You can ask if the activity is draining their bucket or filling their bucket.”

— Lynn Lyons, Psychotherapist (TODAY)

What’s next

Liu's advice could inspire more parents to have open conversations with their children about continuing or quitting sports and other activities, prioritizing the child's wellbeing and autonomy.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's personal experience and advice highlight the importance of supporting children's choices, even when they walk away from activities they excel at. Her perspective challenges the common pressure many young athletes face to keep competing, emphasizing that passion and fulfillment should be the priority, not just talent and achievement.