Alysa Liu, the 21-year-old Olympic gold medallist, has announced she will take a sabbatical from competitive figure skating for the 2026-27 season. The decision, made public through her Instagram account on August 25, is intended as a time for the athlete to recalibrate and refine her skills. Liu articulated her desire to enhance her artistry and skating abilities, noting the importance of personal growth in her competitive journey.
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In her post, Liu stated, “While people are announcing programmes, I’m taking this time to announce that I will not be competing this season. I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry & skating can evolve.” By stepping back from competition, Liu aims to ensure that her future performances genuinely reflect her development as an athlete.
The skating world will miss her presence over the upcoming season, but Liu is adamant about her decision, expressing that logical, emotional, and physical considerations all pointed towards this break being the right choice. “I just felt this was right. So I’m trusting my instincts,” she explained in an interview with NBC Sports.
Liu has made it clear that this period of reflection is about more than just training; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into her skills. She plans to focus on all aspects of her artistry, including spins and jumps. “I really want to improve my skating, and I wanted to take the time to do that for myself and just to evolve, and then I’ll be back after that is done,” she stated, assuring fans that she’ll return for the 2027-28 season.
In preparation for her hiatus, Liu consulted with her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali. Their supportive response reassured her of the validity of her decision. “I came to them, and they totally understood where I was coming from,” she shared. This understanding served to reinforce her belief that taking this time away from competition was both sensible and necessary.
Despite her absence, Liu plans to remain involved in the skating community by supporting her teammates during the upcoming season. She expressed her excitement for their performances while acknowledging that she will miss the thrill of competing against international rivals. “I’ll be cheering for my teammates near and far,” she noted.
Liu’s decision to step back from competition comes shortly after receiving the ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete, reinforcing her status in the sport. During her acceptance speech, she reflected on her journey, stating, “I had some really rough times in it, I took two years off. So, for me, this really feels like I broke through in my own way, for myself and for my sport.”
Having initially retired at 16 due to burnout after competing in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, Liu made a remarkable return at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, where she achieved a historic double gold in both the Women’s Singles and Mixed Team events. This accomplishment made her the first American woman to win an individual gold medal since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
Going forward, Liu is committed to sharing her journey through her performances, highlighting her dedication to connecting with audiences emotionally. She aims to turn her life experiences into art, aiming for her audiences to feel something profound during her performances.
As preparations for the new skating season unfold, fans and fellow competitors alike will be looking forward to Liu’s anticipated return. Though the competitive landscape will shift in her absence, her commitment to growth and artistry promises an exciting comeback in the near future.