Alysa Liu is set to return to the Olympic stage in February 2026, following a triumphant gold medal win at the 2025 World Championships. The 20-year-old skater, who retired after the 2022 Beijing Games, has reignited her competitive drive and is now a top contender for Team USA.
At a Glance
- Alysa Liu will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
- She claimed gold at the 2025 World Championships, marking a strong comeback.
- After a year-long break, she has re-embraced figure skating with new focus on fashion design and training.
Why it matters: Her return signals a renewed era for U.S. figure skating, inspiring younger athletes and boosting national hopes for Olympic medals.
Return to the Olympic Spotlight
In February 2026, Alysa Liu will step onto the ice for her second Winter Olympics. The announcement follows her gold medal performance at the 2025 World Championships, where she was dubbed “Alysa 2.0” by her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo. The nickname reflects her re-energized approach and the perception that she has entered a new phase of her career.
Retirement and a Year-Long Pause
After finishing just outside the podium in Beijing 2022, Liu announced her retirement from competitive skating. She cited exhaustion from the demanding lifestyle of Olympic-level training and a desire for a more balanced, “normal teenage-girl” life. She described her routine at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado as monotonous:
- Living alone in a dorm.
- Training on the rink day after day.
- Minimal social interaction.
She said, “I was checked out. I was just there for the Olympic experience.” This period allowed her to graduate high school, begin studies in psychology at UCLA, and spend time with family.
Reawakening During a Family Ski Trip
During a 2024 ski trip to Lake Tahoe with her family, Liu felt a sudden pull back to winter sports. She recalled the adrenaline rush of skating and the excitement she had felt as a 16-year-old rising star. By early 2025, she was fully committed to the sport again, telling the media that she was “doing this for real.”
She also discovered a passion for fashion design, working late into the night to create new costumes. “In figure skating, we have these gorgeous dresses and I love to design them,” she said. Her collaboration with her dress designer has become a key part of her competitive identity.
2025 World Championships Gold
At the 2025 World Championships, Liu captured the gold medal, a testament to her renewed focus and training regimen. Her coach noted that the “reboot” has positioned her as a top contender for the 2026 Winter Olympics, alongside teammates Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito.
The victory also showcased her confidence, which she described as “more or less the same” as when she first stepped onto the Olympic stage at 16.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, Liu expresses heightened excitement for the figure skating portion of the Games. She sees the event as an opportunity to combine her athletic skills with her newfound interest in fashion design.
Her journey-from retirement to world champion-illustrates resilience and the importance of aligning personal passions with professional goals. For fans and aspiring skaters alike, her story underscores that a break can lead to a stronger comeback.
Key Takeaways
- Alysa Liu will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics after winning gold at the 2025 World Championships.
- Her retirement in 2022 stemmed from the intense demands of Olympic training.
- A family ski trip in 2024 reignited her passion for skating and led to a full-time return.
- She now integrates fashion design into her skating program, enhancing her competitive edge.
- The 2026 Games will test whether her “reboot” can translate into Olympic medals for Team USA.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Retirement announced after Beijing Olympics |
| 2023 | Completed high school, began UCLA psychology program |
| 2024 | Lake Tahoe ski trip sparks renewed interest in skating |
| 2025 | Gold medal at World Championships, dubbed “Alysa 2.0” |
| 2026 | Scheduled to compete in Winter Olympics in Italy |
