Alysa Liu Takes a Season Off from Figure Skating Competition

4 weeks ago 0

Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu announced her decision to step away from figure skating competitions for the 2026-27 season. She plans to make a comeback in the 2027-28 season. Liu expressed her desire to enhance her artistry and skills during this time away.

While people are announcing programs, I’mma take this time to announce that I will not be competing this season. I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry & skating can evolve. It’s important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth.

Liu intends to continue her training, focusing on aspects such as overall artistry, spins, and jumps. She emphasized her commitment to evolving her skating and is enthusiastic about returning once her goals are achieved. Despite her break, she promised to support her teammates.

Her decision was not made lightly, involving discussions with her coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali in the Bay Area. They were understanding and supportive, acknowledging her reasons without needing extensive explanations.

Liu rose to prominence after winning the Olympic women’s singles gold in Milan in February, following in the footsteps of Sarah Hughes in 2002. After her win, she participated in various events, including the Stars on Ice tour, sharing experiences with renowned figures like Taylor Swift and appearing in Laufey’s music video.

She previously retired at 16 after her Olympic debut in 2022. Her return in the 2024-25 season was marked by significant achievements, including becoming the first U.S. women’s singles skater since 2006 to win a world title. Her journey has filled her with gratitude and reinforced her love for skating.

Liu had been scheduled to compete in the upcoming Skate America event in November. Yet, her absence will still see a strong U.S. lineup including Olympic medalists Ilia Malinin and Amber Glenn, along with others like Jason Brown and the U.S. pairs’ champions.

Despite stepping back from competitions, Liu remains eager to support her peers. I always want to support my teammates, so I’ll be around. I won’t be radio silent, and whatever opportunity arises, I will probably be there to support in some way.