Olympic champion Alysa Liu takes season off after Milan gold, promises her return to the ice
PUBLISHED Aug 26, 2026, 11:45 AM ET
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
Left: Highlights athlete mental health, personal growth, and self-care prioritisation. Center: Reports factual announcement details, historical stats, and competition schedules. Right: Focuses on competitive athletic discipline, past achievements, and comeback.
Instagram post by Alysa Liu on August 25, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/alysaxliu
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Bay Area Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu takes break from skating
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Olympic champion Alysa Liu takes season off after Milan gold, promises her return to the ice
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Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu announces time off from figure skating
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