In recent weeks, many individuals have taken to social media to recount their personal journeys back to sports that were once an integral part of their lives, a movement catalysed by the inspiring return of American figure skater Alysa Liu. This phenomenon, dubbed the “Alysa Liu Effect,” has encouraged former athletes to rekindle their passions, reigniting long-dormant hobbies through platforms like TikTok.
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Emma Schaefer, a 23-year-old brand specialist from Sugar Grove, Illinois, is one of those rediscovering her love for a sport she once left behind. After training in archery for over a decade, Schaefer took a hiatus during her university years due to the pressures and commitments of college life. Her recent reconnection with archery comes in the wake of Liu’s triumphant return to competitive skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Schaefer began her archery journey at the age of 12 and pursued it actively for seven years, competing until her first year at university. Nonetheless, despite stepping back from the sport, the experiences she gained from archery continued to shape her life. “I credit archery for shaping the person I am today,” Schaefer remarked. She noted how the sport helped her overcome shyness, build self-confidence, and instil values of discipline, focus, and perseverance.
The transformative power of sport is evident in Schaefer’s reflections. She expressed not only a personal connection to archery but also an appreciation for the individualistic nature of the sport, stating, “It is just you and the target, and that challenge is what makes it so rewarding.” In addition, she fondly recollected meeting her best friend through archery, and they are now planning to resume training together.
Schaefer became particularly inspired by Liu’s compelling return to figure skating. Liu’s candid reflections on her own relationship with the sport—highlighting how it sometimes felt more like an obligation than a passion—deeply resonated with Schaefer’s own experience in archery. In a TikTok video expressing her rekindled enthusiasm for the sport, Schaefer noted how watching Liu excel with genuine joy at the Olympics reignited her own passion.
The reception to Schaefer’s TikTok post was overwhelmingly positive, with numerous viewers sharing their own stories of returning to childhood sports. “The comments that started flooding in from people feeling inspired to restart their sports truly motivated me further,” she explained. The sense of community built around shared experiences has highlighted how many people can relate to the journey of rekindling long-abandoned passions.
Schaefer’s journey has led her to a new outlook on her former sport and its place in her life. She urges others not to let age or busy schedules deter them from pursuing their interests. “You are never too old or too busy to start again,” she emphasised. Schaefer acknowledged that while her original aspirations of becoming a professional archer may have faded, the joy and fulfilment the sport offers her remain steadfast.
Through her rediscovery of archery, Schaefer has learned to derive new meaning from a pursuit that was once a significant part of her identity. She encourages others to adopt a similar mindset: “Rediscovering an old passion and finding new meaning in it has been what continues to inspire me.” With her focus on making time for the activities that once brought her happiness, Schaefer is determined not to let the demands of adult life overshadow her genuine passions.
The “Alysa Liu Effect” has proven to be more than just a social media trend; it has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of staying connected to childhood passions. As more people like Schaefer embrace their past pursuits, the joy of sport continues to shine brightly, fostering community and inspiration among those who have dared to dream once again.