Olympian Alysa Liu Doesn't Care About the Medals

The 20-year-old figure skater is looking to end the U.S. women's drought at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Alysa Liu has been considered a figure skating prodigy since she was a child, becoming the youngest U.S. woman to land a triple axel in competition at age 12 and the youngest U.S. women's champion at 13. However, the pressures and toxicity of the sport led her to quit at 16 before making a comeback and winning the 2025 World Championships. Now, Liu is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she plans to compete to the same music that won her the world title, but with a mindset focused more on enjoying the moment than chasing medals.

Why it matters

Liu's journey highlights the challenges young athletes face in elite sports, from intense pressure to unrealistic expectations to toxic environments. Her decision to quit at 16 and then return to the sport on her own terms is an inspiring story about finding balance and prioritizing mental health. As the U.S. women's figure skating team looks to end a two-decade medal drought, Liu's unorthodox approach could pave the way for a new era in the sport.

The details

After winning the U.S. national title at 13, Liu faced a grueling training schedule and a toxic environment at the rink that left her dreading going to practice and sometimes breaking down in tears. The COVID-19 pandemic gave her a much-needed break, and she ultimately decided to quit the sport at 16. Following a ski trip in 2024, Liu reconnected with her passion for the sport and convinced her coaches to take her back, leading to her surprise victory at the 2025 World Championships. Now 20 years old, Liu is heading to the 2026 Olympics determined to enjoy the experience rather than focus solely on winning a medal.

  • Liu became the youngest U.S. women's champion at age 13 in 2019.
  • She competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics at age 16.
  • Liu took a two-year break from skating after the 2022 Olympics.
  • She made her comeback and won the 2025 World Championships.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will be Liu's second Olympic appearance.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who was considered a prodigy in the sport, winning the U.S. national title at age 13 before quitting at 16 and then making a comeback to win the 2025 World Championships.

Jeremy Abbott

Liu's figure skating coach who supported her decision to take a break from the sport and then welcomed her back when she was ready to return.

Massimo Scali

Another of Liu's figure skating coaches who worked with her through her decision to quit and then her comeback to the sport.

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What they’re saying

“I decided I would never compromise so much of myself to do something that I didn't want to do.”

— Alysa Liu

“Oh yeah, like for example, if I skate horribly but somehow get a medal, I will not be happy with that. I would rather skate really well and not get a medal, you know what I mean?”

— Alysa Liu

What’s next

Liu will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, where she hopes to help end the U.S. women's figure skating medal drought.

The takeaway

Liu's journey from prodigy to quitter to champion showcases the importance of balance, mental health, and finding joy in the sport, rather than solely chasing medals and accolades. Her unorthodox approach could inspire a new generation of figure skaters to prioritize their own well-being and redefine success in the sport.