SPORTS

Olympic champion Alysa Liu takes season off after Milan gold, promises her return to the ice

PUBLISHED Aug 26, 2026, 11:45 AM ET

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Two-time Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu announced Tuesday on social media that she will skip the upcoming 2026–2027 figure skating season to recalibrate her training and artistic development. The 21-year-old American figure skater made history at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, becoming the first U.S. woman since Sarah Hughes in 2002 to win individual Olympic gold. Liu also secured a second gold medal as part of the victorious U.S. figure skating team. Following a temporary retirement in 2022 due to athletic burnout, Liu returned to competitive skating in 2024 and won the 2025 World Championship title. While marquee competitors prepare for the ISU Grand Prix circuit beginning October in Angers, France, Liu confirmed her break is temporary, promising fans she intends to return to international competition. Sabbaticals following Olympic cycles remain a common practice among elite figure skaters managing physical recovery and long-term career sustainability.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On February 2022 Alysa Liu competed at Beijing Winter Olympics.
On April 2022 Alysa Liu announced initial retirement from skating.
On March 2024 Alysa Liu announced official comeback to competition.
On March 2025 Alysa Liu won female World Championship title.
On February 2026 Alysa Liu won two Olympic gold medals.
On August 2026 Alysa Liu announced season break via Instagram.
On October 2026 Grand Prix series starts without Alysa Liu.
On January 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will take place.
On March 2027 World Figure Skating Championships will take place.
On October 2027 Alysa Liu is expected to resume competition.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Shifts domestic fan expectations for upcoming U.S. national championships.
Possible long-term US impact: Maintains athlete brand longevity while ensuring sustainable career development.
Most affected groups: U.S. Figure Skating team, national fans, and tournament organizers.
Reader priority: Focus on official athlete statements regarding physical recovery timeline.