Olympic champion Alysa Liu to sit out 2026-27 figure skating season
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Alysa Liu of the United States celebrates after winning gold at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Alysa Liu, 2026 Olympic figure skating champion, will skip the 2026-27 season to improve her technique and artistry.
- She aims to work on all aspects of her skating, including spins and jumps, planning a comeback in the 2027-28 season.
- Liu reassured fans she will return and will support her teammates while taking time to recalibrate and grow personally.
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Olympic gold medallist Alysa Liu said on Aug 25 she will sit out the upcoming season to fine-tune her technique but reassured fans she would return to the sport.
Liu became the first American woman since 2002 to capture Olympic gold in women’s singles at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, where she also helped the US to win gold in the team event.
“I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry and skating can evolve,” the 21-year-old wrote in a social media post, adding that she would take time to “recalibrate”.
“It’s important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth.
“So fear not, I’ll be back, and in the meantime I’ll be rooting for my teammates near and far.”
In an interview with NBC Sports on Aug 25, Liu said she was planning to work on her “overall artistry, spins, jumps, everything” during her break from competition and intended to return in the 2027-28 season.
“I just felt this was right. So I’m trusting my instincts,” she added. REUTERS
