Alysa Liu, the accomplished figure skater who recently made headlines by securing two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, has opted out of competing at this month’s ISU Figure Skating World Championship. The announcement was made by Liu via social media on Sunday, 8 March, as she prepares to take a break following her impressive Olympic success.
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At just 20 years old, Liu has already made a significant mark in the figure skating world, clinching gold in both the team event and the women’s singles category at the Winter Games held in Milan, Italy. Her achievements have solidified her status as one of the leading athletes in the sport. However, despite this triumph, Liu has decided to forgo participating in the upcoming World Championships scheduled from 24 to 29 March in Prague, Czech Republic.
In her social media post, Liu explained her choice. “As some of y’all already know, I withdrew from Worlds. There’s been a lot of exciting things happening since my return from Milan, so I’m taking some time for that. I will be cheering everyone on from afar — see y’all next season!!” this message reflects her intention to focus on upcoming opportunities rather than immediate competition.
Following her announcement, Liu’s name was officially removed from the competition line-up by the International Skating Union (ISU). Reports suggest that Sarah Everhardt, a 19-year-old skater, has been selected to take Liu’s place. Everhardt had previously earned fifth place at the 2026 National Championships, which qualifies her as a notable representative for Team USA.
Alysa Liu’s journey in figure skating has not been straightforward. After finishing sixth in the singles event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, just shy of a medal, she made the decision to retire from the sport. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Liu returned to competitive skating, culminating in her recent Olympic success.
Although Liu has chosen to step back from this month’s championship, her fellow competitors, including Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, who performed alongside Liu in the team event in Milan, are confirmed to compete. This participation ensures that Team USA will still be represented by strong contenders on the world stage.
As the figure skating community anticipates the World Championships, Liu’s absence will certainly be felt. The athlete’s decision to withdraw suggests a planned approach to her career, allowing her time to reflect and prepare for the season ahead, rather than rushing back into competition.
Since her Olympic victory, there has been speculation regarding Liu’s next steps, particularly as she is a young athlete transitioning in her career. U.S. Figure Skating and the ISU have yet to comment officially on her decision, leaving fans eager for more information regarding her future in the sport.
Looking ahead, Liu’s declaration that she will be “cheering everyone on” showcases her camaraderie with fellow athletes, highlighting the supportive culture within the figure skating community. As the world watches the performances at the forthcoming championships, Liu’s journey continues to inspire many, reaffirming her status as a prominent figure in the sport.
As the season closes, Liu’s supporters will certainly be eager for her return, and her potential to achieve further greatness in future competitions. For now, however, she is focusing on personal growth and the exciting paths that lie ahead.