Alysa Liu Officially Confirms if She’s Competing at the Next Olympics After Coming Out of Retirement For Italy: ‘I Can’t Imagine…’
Alysa Liu has become one of the most talked-about athletes in the world after her stunning gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. But what’s next in her future?
Liu announced at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing that she would be retiring from the sport after skating for 11 years. “I made the decision for myself a while ago, way before the Olympics. My only goal was to go to the Olympics,” she explained. “I’m only 16. I want to do other stuff. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s purely for myself. I guess it’s selfish.”
She studied at UCLA, climbed Mount Everest, and got her driver’s license in the time between her retirement and comeback. In May 2024, she announced that she would be returning to ice skating—on her own terms. “Skating gave me something to be strong for,” Liu told Cosmopolitan. “I love having willpower. I used to never care about programs, what you skated to, your dresses, stuff like that. Now, I love skating dresses and helping with the design process. This sport is kind of an outlet for me. I love dance and music, so it’s everything in one.”
After participating in Team USA’s gold win in the team event and skating to victory to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” what is she up to after the Olympics?
Is Alysa Liu retiring after the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Alysa Liu is not retiring from figure skating after the 2026 Olympics. At the closing ceremony, she said, “Yeah, I mean, I have no plans to leave, yet. I can’t imagine not skating next year.” While she avoided the question of coming back for another gold at the next Olympics, she’s definitely not stopping her competitive streak. In fact, she’s ready for the World Figure Skating Championships in the next couple of weeks.
While retiring isn’t on her mind, Alysa has emphasized the importance of taking breaks in order to advance in your career. “Everyone has their own path, but I will say taking a break, and stepping back, gaining new perspective, it really helped me understand myself,” she told Olympics.com. I got to explore new hobbies and interests. And that’s what life is about: Trying new things and learning.”
The break proved to be super fruitful and fulfilling for the 20-year-old. “I was peak happiness when I was out there on the ice,” she continues. “Nothing could bring me higher than that.”
