KEY POINT
- Liu retired in 2022 at age sixteen, citing burnout and a desire to explore life outside elite sport.
- After a two year hiatus, she returned in 2024 and has since won multiple national and international medals.
- Her comeback positions her as a potential US medalist in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
MILAN, Italy — American figure skater Alysa Liu, once hailed as a teenage prodigy, temporarily retired from competitive skating in 2022 shortly after her Olympic debut in Beijing.
At just sixteen, Liu stepped away to focus on personal growth and life beyond the rink, returning in 2024 to quickly reclaim her place among the sport’s top competitors and emerge as a leading contender for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Liu’s temporary retirement highlighted the intense pressures faced by young athletes in high performance sports. Despite a rapid ascent and historic accomplishments, including multiple national titles and world championship medals, she opted to take a break from competition to regain control over her life. Her decision reflects a growing focus on mental health and sustainable career planning among elite athletes.
Liu first drew international attention by becoming the youngest US senior national champion at age thirteen and landing difficult technical elements that few women in the sport had achieved. Between 2019 and 2022, she won five US national medals and a bronze at the 2022 World Championships.
While her achievements were groundbreaking, the relentless training schedule and limited personal freedom contributed to physical and psychological strain.
Following the 2022 Winter Olympics, Liu announced her retirement, emphasizing the need to experience ordinary teenage life and regain perspective outside the pressures of elite competition.
Sports specialists note that Liu’s retirement underscores the importance of athlete wellness in long term performance.
Dr. Jessica Kaufman, a sports psychologist at the Center for Athletic Performance and Well Being, said, “Alysa’s choice to step back illustrates how critical rest and personal agency are in preventing burnout in young athletes. Her return demonstrates resilience and strategic career management.”
Mark Brenner, professor of athlete development at University of Southern California, added, “Liu’s experience is a model for how athletes can take purposeful breaks and return to competition stronger. It signals a cultural shift where mental health and life balance are valued alongside technical skill.”
Liu has reflected on her break as transformative. “Skating has been my life since I was five,” Liu said in a 2025 interview. “Taking time away gave me space to be a teenager and return with clarity about why I skate.”
Her coach, Philip DiGuglielmo, emphasized her renewed motivation. “Alysa came back with purpose. She knows what she wants and is more focused than ever,” he said.
Liu’s comeback trajectory makes her one of the most closely watched athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Experts stress that her ability to balance training intensity with mental well being will be essential for sustained success.
Her journey may also influence coaching practices and athlete development strategies, prioritizing long term health alongside competitive results.
Alysa Liu’s retirement and subsequent return highlight a deliberate approach to athlete management. By stepping away to recharge, she not only protected her mental and physical health but also returned stronger and more prepared for elite competition.
Her story serves as a benchmark for young athletes navigating the pressures of highperformance sports while maintaining personal growth and life balance.
