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Alysa Liu has been familiar with the ice since she was five, but the Olympian did something not many figure skaters have done: she took a break from competition. The 20-year-old Team USA gold medalist briefly retired from competitive sports when she was a teenager, and her comeback story has been remarkable! So, why did Alysa leave skating in the first place?

Hollywood Life provides a detailed account of Alysa’s retirement, her return to competition, and her life off the ice below.

How Old Was Alysa Liu When She Retired From Figure Skating?

Alysa retired from competitive figure skating in 2022, shortly after competing in the Beijing Olympics at the age of 16.

Two years later, at 18, Alysa returned to the ice and was selected to compete in her second Olympics at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.

Why Did Alysa Liu Leave Skating?

Alysa briefly retired from competitive figure skating due to burnout and a desire to explore more in life off the ice.

In a since-deleted Instagram post, the 2025 World Champion announced her retirement.

“I started skating when I was five, so that’s about 11 years on the ice, and it’s been an insane journey,” she explained at the time in her caption.

In other interviews, Alysa expressed her desire to go to school and create memories with friends and family rather than focus solely on skating.

Alysa’s father, Arthur Liu, also discussed his daughter’s decision to take a break from the sport.

According to USA Today, Arthur said Alysa “became really unhappy” with competing as a young adult.

“She avoided the ice rink at all costs,” Arthur stated, adding that she was suffering from PTSD and would not go near the rink.

What Made Alysa Liu Come Back to Skating?

In March 2024, Alysa announced her comeback to competitive skating and shared what inspired her return in an Instagram post: a ski trip!

“I hadn’t felt that adrenaline rush since I’d quit skating,” she explained.