The world of competitive figure skating is often defined by fleeting moments of brilliance and the intense pressure placed on young athletes. For Alysa Liu, that pressure led to a surprising retirement at just sixteen, but her story is far from over. Now, two years after stepping away from the ice, Liu is making a carefully considered return, determined to reclaim her passion for the sport on her own terms.

Liu’s initial ascent was meteoric. She became the youngest U.S. National champion in history in 2019, at the age of 13, and quickly established herself as a contender on the international stage. However, her journey was shadowed by the complexities of a demanding sport and the challenges of navigating adolescence under intense scrutiny. The landscape of women’s figure skating has undergone significant change in recent years, with a push to prioritize athlete well-being and a shift away from the historically young ages of peak competition. This shift came after controversies surrounding the Russian skating program, including the doping case involving Kamila Valieva.

The 2022 Beijing Olympics were marred by controversy when then-15-year-old Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medication. Despite the positive test, she was allowed to compete, leading to a tumultuous competition and ultimately a disqualification, as reported by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in January 2024 (NBC Recent York). The fallout from the Valieva case prompted the International Skating Union to raise the minimum age for senior-level athletes to 17. In the wake of the Russian team’s exclusion from international competition following the invasion of Ukraine, Liu secured a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships before announcing her retirement.

A Return on Her Own Terms

Liu’s decision to retire stemmed, in part, from the rigid structure and demands of the sport. She began skating at age five, with her father, Arthur, heavily involved in her training and career. While dedicated, this approach lacked the institutional support seen in programs like the Russian system, and Liu often felt constrained by the strict control over her life – from her diet and clothing to her music and technique. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with rinks closed, she found a welcome respite from the relentless pressure.

After a period of exploration, which included hiking to Mount Everest base camp and attending UCLA, Liu found herself drawn back to the ice. A ski trip rekindled her love for the sport, but this time, she approached her return with a clear vision: complete control over her training and artistic expression. She reconnected with her former coach, who initially tried to dissuade her, but ultimately supported her decision. Crucially, Liu assembled her team and established her parameters before informing her father, signaling a significant shift in her agency.

The Changing Landscape of Women’s Figure Skating

Figure skating has historically favored younger athletes, with the sport’s physical demands often best met by those who haven’t yet undergone puberty. As WFAA reported, the sport has evolved significantly since its inclusion in the first Winter Olympics in 1924, and was the last to drop the term “ladies” in favor of “women’s figure skating” in 2022. This change reflects a broader recognition of the athleticism inherent in the sport, moving away from its earlier association with artistic pursuits for upper-class women.

Coaches like Rafael Arutyunyan, who trained Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen, have emphasized the importance of early training, stating, “You should receive ready for war before war started,” ESPN reported. However, the intense demands and potential for burnout have also come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the experiences of skaters like Valieva and the “expiration date” often associated with those trained by coaches like Eteri Tutberidze.

Alysa Liu’s return represents a new chapter, not just for her, but potentially for the sport itself. By prioritizing her own well-being and creative control, she is challenging the traditional power dynamics and paving the way for a more sustainable and athlete-centered approach to figure skating. What remains to be seen is how this newfound autonomy will translate to her performance on the ice and whether it will inspire a broader shift within the competitive landscape.

As Liu prepares for her comeback, the figure skating world will be watching closely. Her story is a reminder that athletic success should not come at the expense of personal fulfillment, and that sometimes, stepping away is the first step towards truly coming of age. Share your thoughts on Liu’s return in the comments below.