Wrapping up the 2026 Olympic Games, Team U.S.A. finished in 2nd place, earning a total of 33 medals; 12 of which were gold. One of these gold medals went home with Alysa Liu after her near-flawless performance in figure skating.
Alysa Liu has had one of the most compelling journeys in modern figure skating. Known for her fearless technical skill and record-breaking performances at a young age, Liu quickly rose from a young prodigy to a national champion, capturing attention across the world.
Born in Clovis, California, Liu was a phenom from the moment she stepped onto the ice. At age 12, she became the youngest American to land a triple axel in international competition. At 13, she became the youngest-ever U.S. ladies champion. By 14, she was the first American woman to land a quadruple jump. However, through all these achievements the intense training and “abnormal childhood” began to take a toll on her.
After Liu finished 6th at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she shocked the world by announcing her retirement, even though she was only 16-yearsold. For two years, Alysa Liu stepped off the ice and into a “normal” life.
Liu returned to the ice in 2024. The desire to return was sparked by a ski trip with friends, gliding down the slopes reminded her of the freedom she felt on the ice. She missed the unique adrenaline of ice skating and decided to come back entirely on her own terms.
Unlike her early career, which was marked by intense pressure and external control over her diet and training, Liu’s comeback focused on individuality and artistic joy. She chose her own music, designed her own costumes, and prioritized her mental health over placement.
Alysa Liu’s return was not just a personal victory but history in the making. During her first competition back, she won the CS Budapest Trophy in October 2025. She earned silver medals at both the 2025 and 2026 U.S. Championships. In March 2025, Liu became the first American woman in 19 years to win the World Figure Skating title, according to Inside ISU. Liu completed her “unlikely” journey by winning the individual gold medal, at only 20 years old, helping team U.S.A. earn first in the team event.
Despite her disappointing withdrawal from the World Figure Staking competition this coming October, Alysa Liu remains in control over her athletic career, standing out in an industry where many athletes defer their independence to others. Liu is constantly reinforcing her status as a symbol of mental health and athletic empowerment.
Photo Credit: Google
