Full Breakdown
Alysa Liu's Remarkable Comeback to Figure Skating
1/5/2026, 11:43:46 AM
The Journey Back to the Ice
Alysa Liu, a prominent figure skater, made headlines when she returned to the sport after a surprising retirement at the age of 16. Liu, now 20, shocked the skating community by winning the World Championship just a few years after stepping away from competitive skating. As she prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Liu is not only a favorite to win gold but is also approaching her career with a newfound independence and artistic vision.
Background and Early Success
Liu began skating as a child, supported by her father, Arthur Liu, who fled China after participating in the Tiananmen Square protests. He dedicated significant resources, estimated between $500,000 to $1 million, to nurture her talent. By the age of 13, Liu had already made history by becoming the youngest U.S. women's champion in 2019, followed by another national title in 2020. Her early career was marked by intense training and strict oversight from her father, who closely monitored her progress and frequently changed coaches to ensure her success.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 proved to be a turning point for Liu. With rinks closed, she experienced a break from skating that allowed her to reassess her priorities. Liu admitted, “I really like not skating,” and after competing in the 2022 Olympics, where she finished sixth, she announced her retirement on Instagram. During her time away, she traveled and enjoyed life outside of competitive sports, stating, “I was really just living it up.”
Reigniting the Passion
Nearly two years after her retirement, Liu felt a pull back to the ice. She reached out to her former coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, expressing her desire to return. Initially skeptical, DiGuglielmo soon supported her decision, and together they reassembled her coaching team, including choreographer Massimo Scali. Liu began training full-time in June 2024, despite being out of shape and facing the challenges of her evolving body.
A New Perspective on Skating
Liu's return is characterized by a shift in mindset. Unlike her earlier years, when she followed directives from adults, she now takes charge of her training, selecting her own music and managing her schedule. This collaborative approach has led to a more mature and artistic style of skating. DiGuglielmo noted, “Now she comes in, and it is all collaborative,” highlighting her growth as an athlete. Liu views competitions as performances rather than mere contests, aiming to evoke emotions in her audience, stating, “My goal honestly is just to hype people up, give them an experience.”
Official Statements and Responses
Brian Boitano, an Olympic gold medalist, remarked on Liu's comeback, calling it “the biggest comeback in sports history.” He emphasized the transformation in her skating style, noting, “There’s a depth to her movement... it’s fluid and graceful and strong.” Liu's father expressed pride in her independence, stating, “He’s a great father, you know? I just didn’t want him to be as invested in it as he was before.”
What's Next for Alysa Liu
As Liu prepares for the Winter Olympics, she faces the pressure of a long-standing drought for American women in Olympic figure skating, with no singles title won in 24 years. However, she remains focused on her artistic expression rather than the outcome, embodying a blend of artistry and athleticism as she competes on her own terms.
