Retiring at 16? It might sound unfathomable, especially for a figure skater with the raw talent and momentum that Alysa Liu had at the time. After all, Winter Olympic figure skating is a sport where athletes typically begin to peak in their late teens and early twenties, not retire before they can even legally drive in most states. Liu, however, made a decision that turned heads across the skating world when, after competing in the 2022 Winter Olympic. she announced her retirement in April of that same year.

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Alysa Liu: Stepping Away to Find Peace and Purpose

At the time, Alysa had already established herself as one of the brightest stars in American Winter Olympic figure skating. She had made her mark at the 2022 Winter Olympic, securing a respectable 6th place finish in the women’s individual figure skating competition. That performance, alongside her early triumphs on the Grand Prix circuit and World Championships podium, solidified her as a prodigy of the sport. But her decision to retire was motivated by something deeper than her competitive accomplishments: exhaustion, both mental and physical.

I just needed peace of mind Liu reflected in later interviews. After years of competing at the highest levels, the pressure and intensity of training had taken their toll. The sport she had once loved was no longer fulfilling her the way it once did, and she needed time away from the rink to reset. For someone who had achieved so much so young, her choice to step away from the sport was undoubtedly a courageous one, and one that raised many questions about the future of her career.

The Itch to Return: A Relentless Desire to Skate Again

But as much as Alysa Liu tried to distance herself from the rink, she couldn’t escape the pull of Winter Olympic figure skating. In March of 2023, nearly a year after retiring, she posted a heartfelt message on social media announcing her comeback to the sport.

I’ve had time to think. I’ve had time to heal. And now, I’m ready to skate again. she wrote. The announcement was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some fans were thrilled to see the young skater return, while others questioned if it was the right decision. After all, coming back to the sport after taking such a significant break—especially one as competitive and grueling as Winter Olympic figure skating—was bound to present major challenges.

Indeed, Liu’s return wasn’t as simple as just putting on her skates again. For one, she had not kept up with the sport during her hiatus. Winter Olympic Figure skating is a discipline that requires not only physical endurance but also technical precision and constant practice. A gap like the one Liu had taken—nearly 12 months without the same level of focus—could be seen as a near insurmountable setback.

Alysa Liu: The Challenge of Rebuilding for Winter Olympic 2026

Liu herself is under no illusions about the magnitude of her task. I think making the U.S. Winter Olympic team is going to be very challenging, especially coming back. she said in an interview, acknowledging the uphill battle she faces to return to her former glory. At 19, she’s now older than many of her competitors, and the skating world has moved on in her absence, with new young stars rising to prominence. You Can Read Isabeau Levito’s Setback at Finlandia Trophy: A Turning Point in Her Winter Olympic Journey to Milano Cortina 2026

To make matters more challenging, Alysa’s comeback is not just about physical conditioning. After spending a year away from the sport, she faces the daunting task of rebuilding her technique, re-establishing the muscle memory necessary for performing complex routines, and restoring her mental toughness. As she notes. I have to rebuild myself summarizing the daunting nature of her return.

Alysa Liu: Rebuilding with Precision and Mental Strength for Winter Olympic 2026

Rebuilding from scratch doesn’t just mean hitting the ice and hoping things fall into place. Liu has had to undergo rigorous training with her coaching team, working not only on her jumps, spins, and choreography but also focusing on her mental game. Mental fortitude is crucial in a sport like Winter Olympic figure skating, where every performance is a public display of both your technical ability and your poise under pressure.

Her coach, renowned figure skating mentor Rafael Arutunian, has been guiding her through this difficult process. Arutunian, who has worked with Winter Olympic champions like Evan Lysacek and Adam Rippon, has a reputation for taking athletes with a solid foundation and helping them elevate to the next level. But this will be different—this isn’t just about adding a few new elements to an already successful routine; it’s about reintroducing Alysa Liu to the sport she once dominated and making sure she’s mentally and physically prepared for the intensity of the next Olympic cycle.

A Competitive Landscape: The New Generation of U.S. Winter Olympic Figure Skating

Another significant challenge Alysa faces in her comeback is the evolution of the U.S. Winter Olympic figure skating scene. During her time away from the sport, new stars have emerged and made their marks in international competition. Most notably, Isabeau Levito, another American figure skater, has become a rising star. At just 15 years old, Levito secured several strong finishes at international events and is now considered a top contender for the Winter Olympic 2026. Her smooth, dynamic style, combined with a rapid rise in rankings, poses a significant challenge for Liu, who needs to regain her competitive edge to reclaim her position.

Moreover, there is Marin Honda, another young and dynamic skater who continues to push the boundaries of technique in American Winter Olympic figure skating. Liu has never faced competition quite like this before—young skaters who have been honing their skills from an even earlier age, in a sport where the margin for error is razor-thin.

While Liu’s previous achievements—particularly her groundbreaking victory as the youngest American woman to win the U.S. National Championships—ensure she has the technical foundation to compete, the pressure to adapt to the increasingly competitive field is immense. Yet Liu’s experience and poise in high-pressure situations will certainly work in her favor as she aims to break through the barriers of youth and reassert herself at the top.

Alysa Liu: The Tough Road to Winter Olympic 2026

With the Winter Olympic 2026 on the horizon, Alysa Liu is well aware that making the U.S. team will not be an easy task. The road to the Olympic team is not just about winning national championships—it’s about consistently performing at a high level across multiple competitions and peaking at the right moment. Liu’s journey to the 2022 Winter Olympic was filled with challenges, and 2026 promises to be even more demanding.

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As she works her way back into form, Alysa is mindful of the long-term nature of her comeback. “I know there’s no shortcut to making the Winter Olympic team. I have to prove myself again. she explained. The upcoming years will be critical for her as she navigates the grueling U.S. qualifying events, international competitions, and the training required to elevate her to the highest level once again.

Alysa Liu: Mental Health and Balance on the Path to Winter Olympic 2026

One key aspect that sets Liu’s comeback apart is her candid approach to mental health. During her retirement, Alysa opened up about the pressures she faced as a teenage athlete in the limelight. For many years, she had pushed herself to the limits, striving for perfection in a sport that demands the impossible.

When I left Winter Olympic Figure skating. it wasn’t just physical exhaustion—it was mental exhaustion. The pressure to always be perfect, to always perform at my best, became too much. It’s something I had to address for my own peace of mind Liu said in a recent interview.

Her openness about mental health and the toll that elite-level sports can take on an athlete’s well-being is a testament to the challenges that young athletes face as they balance their careers with their personal lives. In a sport like figure skating, where there’s often a heavy emphasis on body image and performance, it’s not uncommon for skaters to struggle with anxiety, depression, or burnout.

By taking a step back from the sport, Liu sought to prioritize her well-being. Now, as she returns, she’s committed to finding a healthy balance between competition and self-care. This shift in mindset may very well be the key to her success in this second chapter of her career.

Alysa Liu: A Mental and Physical Journey to the Winter Olympic 2026

Alysa Liu’s decision to return to Winter Olympic figure skating is both inspiring and intimidating. It’s a reminder that athletes are not define solely by their successes or their setbacks but by their ability to evolve and adapt to the challenges that come their way.

As the countdown to the Winter Olympic 2026 begins, Liu is determine to prove that her journey isn’t over just yet. It may not be an easy road ahead, but if anyone can navigate the challenges of making a second Olympic appearance, it’s Alysa Liu. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the power of rediscovery—no matter how many years or hurdles it takes to get back on top.

In the end, whether she clinches a spot on the U.S. Winter Olympic 2026 team or not, Alysa’s return to Winter Olympic Figure skating will be an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of the sport—and a powerful message to athletes everywhere about the value of mental health, recovery, and the courage to pursue one’s passion, even after stepping away. This expanded piece delves into Liu’s mental.

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