Alysa Liu is looking to add to her already impressive tally with a top-level performance in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 20-year-old skater, who wowed the world by becoming the youngest-ever U.S. Women’s National champion at 13 years old, is on her way to the finals after impressing the judges and crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena with her short routine to Laufey’s song, “Promise.”
She got 76.59 for her short routine, placing her behind Ami Nakai (78.71) and Kaori Sakamoto (77.23). What impressed upon the audiences was how her choreography is a retelling of her story in the sport, which is highlighted by her shocking retirement in 2022.
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The two-time Olympian explained her decision to walk away from the sport and what drove her back.
Alysa Liu Explains the Reason Behind Her First Retirement
Newsbreak’s Ann Killion reported that Liu didn’t regret leaving the sport the first time.
“Quitting was the best decision I ever made,,” Liu said before adding, “And coming back was the best decision I ever made. I don’t make bad decisions.”
She explained that her decision to walk away the first time was due to the harsh training she had to endure, the lack of passion and control over her career and the lofty expectations she had to shoulder from the public.
The Clovis, CA native also said that she returned to the sport on her own terms and not under the influence of anyone.
“This time, I don’t skate every day, I take my days off,” she explained. “”I’m more strategic with my training so that I’m not burnt out by the end of the week. I don’t need a gazillion hours for no reason. I like to just lock in and focus.”
Liu’s father, who previously took control of her career, wrote in an email that he felt saddened by her daughter’s anguish before her first retirement and is genuinely happy with how she’s handling her career.
Liu retired from the sport in 2022, which was bookmarked by a bronze-medal outing at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montpellier. She eventually returned after a two-year break, winning Gold at the 2025 World Championships in Boston.
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