Alysa Liu's Journey to Redemption: The Figure Skater Who's Back on Track, But Now on Her Own Terms.
At just 16 when she hung up her skates the first time, Alysa Liu's decision to retire was a shock to many in the figure skating world. Yet, four years later, Liu has made a triumphant return to competition, with gold medals and accolades in tow. With the 2026 Milan Cortina Games on the horizon, expectations are high that she will represent the United States, although an official team selection is still pending.
Liu's comeback story is one of control and confidence. Gone is the timid skater who used to struggle with self-doubt; in her place stands a force to be reckoned with, one who wields every aspect of her career like a precision tool. Liu has been instrumental in shaping her programs, selecting music that perfectly complements her artistry, and tailoring costumes that accentuate her elegance.
One key difference in Liu's approach this time around is the level of autonomy she enjoys. Gone are the days when coaches dictated every move; now, Liu has a seat at the table, sharing input on everything from choreography to wardrobe choices. Her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, describes this newfound freedom as a "reboot," allowing Liu to channel her creativity and passion into her skating.
When it comes to her performances, Liu exudes an aura of calm confidence that belies the intense pressure she's under. According to DiGuglielmo, there's no nervous energy emanating from Liu; instead, you sense a deep-seated conviction that she has what it takes to succeed. This mental clarity is the key to her success, one that Liu credits to the time she spent away from competition.
Her growth during this hiatus has been nothing short of remarkable. After finishing sixth at the 2022 Olympics and third at the World Championships that same year, Liu has now emerged as a gold medalist in Boston and a contender for another title in Italy. It's an ascent that couldn't have occurred if she hadn't taken time to reassess her priorities.
For Liu, this comeback is about more than just winning medals – it's about rediscovering herself as an athlete. She recalls the sense of human connection she experienced during her break from skating, rekindling bonds with loved ones and finding joy in everyday moments. "I felt so human for the first time," she says.
Now, Liu is poised to take the ice once more, but this time on her own terms. As she prepares for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, one thing is certain: Alysa Liu will be a force to be reckoned with, driven by a fierce passion and an unwavering dedication to her art.
At just 16 when she hung up her skates the first time, Alysa Liu's decision to retire was a shock to many in the figure skating world. Yet, four years later, Liu has made a triumphant return to competition, with gold medals and accolades in tow. With the 2026 Milan Cortina Games on the horizon, expectations are high that she will represent the United States, although an official team selection is still pending.
Liu's comeback story is one of control and confidence. Gone is the timid skater who used to struggle with self-doubt; in her place stands a force to be reckoned with, one who wields every aspect of her career like a precision tool. Liu has been instrumental in shaping her programs, selecting music that perfectly complements her artistry, and tailoring costumes that accentuate her elegance.
One key difference in Liu's approach this time around is the level of autonomy she enjoys. Gone are the days when coaches dictated every move; now, Liu has a seat at the table, sharing input on everything from choreography to wardrobe choices. Her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, describes this newfound freedom as a "reboot," allowing Liu to channel her creativity and passion into her skating.
When it comes to her performances, Liu exudes an aura of calm confidence that belies the intense pressure she's under. According to DiGuglielmo, there's no nervous energy emanating from Liu; instead, you sense a deep-seated conviction that she has what it takes to succeed. This mental clarity is the key to her success, one that Liu credits to the time she spent away from competition.
Her growth during this hiatus has been nothing short of remarkable. After finishing sixth at the 2022 Olympics and third at the World Championships that same year, Liu has now emerged as a gold medalist in Boston and a contender for another title in Italy. It's an ascent that couldn't have occurred if she hadn't taken time to reassess her priorities.
For Liu, this comeback is about more than just winning medals – it's about rediscovering herself as an athlete. She recalls the sense of human connection she experienced during her break from skating, rekindling bonds with loved ones and finding joy in everyday moments. "I felt so human for the first time," she says.
Now, Liu is poised to take the ice once more, but this time on her own terms. As she prepares for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, one thing is certain: Alysa Liu will be a force to be reckoned with, driven by a fierce passion and an unwavering dedication to her art.
. it's a testament to her growth as an athlete and a person, and i think this newfound autonomy will ultimately benefit her performance on the ice.
️ Alysa Liu's comeback story is a total inspiration 
. And now she's like totally in control of her career 
- we're talking music choices, costume designs, the whole nine yards 
. It's all about being on her own terms and harnessing that creativity 
.
. She got to reconnect with loved ones, find joy in everyday stuff... it's all about balance, you know? 
And now, when she steps onto the ice for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, I'm sure she'll be UNSTOPPABLE 
!
I think it's amazing how Alysa Liu has taken control of her comeback story! She's not just skating for the medals, but for herself and what makes her happy 
. I love that she's got more autonomy in her career now - it's all about finding that perfect balance between pressure and passion 
. Her mental clarity is so inspiring, and it's clear that taking time off from competition was exactly what she needed to find herself again 
. She's an amazing role model for young athletes everywhere, proof that you can come back stronger and more focused than ever 
!
. She used to be held back by self-doubt, but now she's got control and confidence flowing like a perfectly choreographed routine 
.
Now she gets to choose the music, costumes, and even wardrobe choices 
.
. I think it's because she's not worried about what others think - she knows she's got this 
.
. It's like she took a break from skating and came back to the sport with new eyes 
. She's not just competing for medals anymore; she's doing it for herself and her passion 
I think it's amazing how Alysa Liu has taken control of her comeback story. She's no longer the timid skater she used to be, but instead a confident and artistic athlete who gets to express herself in every way. 
The music selection and costume choices are just one example of how she's empowered herself – it's like she's saying, "This is my art, and I'm going to make sure it's perfect!" 
And that mental clarity? It's the real MVP for her success so far. 
Alysa Liu's comeback story is straight fire 
She finished 6th, and then at the World Championships she was 3rd 
. Now, with Boston gold and another potential title in Italy 
.
. Phillip DiGuglielmo calls it a "reboot," allowing her to express herself more freely 
.
Her average performance score is up by 15% since returning to competition 
Just read about Alysa Liu's comeback story and I gotta say, it's not just inspiring, but also kinda alarming 
What if she gets too confident? What if she loses that humility? Anyway, one thing's for sure, I'm not holding my breath for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games 
. It's cool how she took some time off to figure out what really matters to her, you know? Like, who needs all that pressure when you can just focus on having fun and being human for once 
. And I love how she's not afraid to speak up and have a say in her own career – it's about time we saw more women taking control of their lives like this 
.
! She's gone from being that timid skater who doubted herself to a total rockstar who owns the ice 
! It's so inspiring to see her take control of her career and have autonomy over every aspect of it - from music choices to costume designs 
. Bring on the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Alysa! You got this! 
. I mean, we've all been there where our coaches are like "do this" or "try that", you know? But Liu's approach is refreshing – it's like she's finally found herself 
.
. She's just using the pressure to fuel her ego now that she's got a sense of control 
. Plus, I'm not convinced this "reboot" thing is just a fancy way of saying she's finally figured out how to be a diva 
it's clear she's not afraid to speak up and assert herself, both on and off the ice 
her mental clarity and conviction are what set her apart from other skaters - it's so refreshing to see someone who knows what they want and isn't afraid to go for it 
. Liu's experience during her break was like a reboot for her - it allowed her to reconnect with the world and rediscover her passions. It's beautiful, you know?