Figure Skater Alysa Liu Comes Out of Retirement for 2026 Olympics

The 20-year-old prodigy returns to the ice after a two-year hiatus, aiming for gold in Milan and Cortina.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alysa Liu, the youngest-ever U.S. Figure Skating champion, announced her retirement from the sport in 2022 at age 16 after competing in the Beijing Olympics. However, the prodigy skater made an unexpected comeback in 2024 and is now representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Liu has already won gold as part of the team event and is set to compete in the women's figure skating free skate on February 19.

Why it matters

Alysa Liu's retirement and comeback story highlights the immense physical and emotional toll that intense athletic training can take on young athletes. Her decision to step away from the sport for two years and then return with a renewed passion and perspective provides an inspiring example of how athletes can prioritize their own well-being.

The details

Liu first took up figure skating at age 5 at the encouragement of her father, Arthur Liu. She quickly proved to be a prodigy, becoming the youngest-ever U.S. Figure Skating champion at 13 years old in 2019. However, the rigorous training schedule and pressure of competing at the highest levels began to take a toll, and Liu announced her retirement in 2022 after representing Team USA at the Beijing Olympics. After a two-year hiatus, Liu returned to the ice in 2024 with a newfound appreciation for the sport and a desire for a new challenge. Since her comeback, Liu has already won gold as part of the team event at the 2026 Winter Games and is set to compete in the women's figure skating free skate.

  • Alysa Liu first took up figure skating at age 5 in the early 2010s.
  • Liu became the youngest-ever U.S. Figure Skating champion in 2019 at age 13.
  • Liu announced her retirement from figure skating in April 2022 at age 16 after competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
  • Liu returned to active competition in March 2024, two full seasons after her retirement.
  • Liu won gold as part of the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy on February 8, 2026.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who was the youngest-ever U.S. Figure Skating champion in 2019 at age 13. Liu retired from the sport in 2022 at age 16 but made an unexpected comeback in 2024 and is now representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Arthur Liu

Alysa Liu's father, who first introduced her to figure skating at age 5 and was heavily involved in her training and development as a prodigy in the sport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I spared no money, no time. I just saw the talent.”

— Arthur Liu, Alysa Liu's father (60 Minutes)

“I ice skated every day when I was 13, 14, so it was a very abnormal childhood. Skating feels more like a responsibility, or a burden even.”

— Alysa Liu (60 Minutes)

“Looking back, I'm glad [how everything happened]. I'm almost glad that I had to struggle so much because I learned so much from that, you know? And I think it definitely played a role in where I am today... it definitely helped me. I needed to go through that.”

— Alysa Liu (Olympics.com)

What’s next

Alysa Liu is set to compete in the women's figure skating free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy on February 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's story of retirement and comeback highlights the immense pressures and sacrifices that young athletes face, as well as the importance of prioritizing mental health and personal well-being. Her journey serves as an inspiration for how athletes can take time away from their sport to find renewed passion and purpose, ultimately returning stronger than ever.