Olympic gold‑medalist Alysa Liu, the first American woman since 2002 to win the women’s singles title at the Milano‑Cortina Games, announced Tuesday that she will sit out the upcoming 2026‑27 figure‑skating season. Liu explained the decision as a chance to “recalibrate” her skating, focusing on overall artistry, spins, jumps and personal growth.
Reason for the hiatus
In a social‑media post, Liu wrote, “I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry and skating can evolve.” She added that taking time away from competition will allow her to fine‑tune her technique and ensure her sport reflects her personal development. “So fear not, I’ll be back, and in the meantime I’ll be rooting for my teammates near and far,” she said.
Plans during the break
During an interview with NBC Sports, Liu detailed her training focus for the year off. She intends to work on every aspect of her performance—artistry, spins, jumps and overall presentation—under the guidance of her coaching team. “I just felt this was right. So I’m trusting my instincts,” Liu said, emphasizing that the pause is a strategic move rather than a response to injury or other setbacks.
Impact on U.S. figure skating
Liu’s decision comes after a historic Olympic campaign in which she helped the United States capture gold in both the individual women’s event and the team competition. Her absence will be felt on the Grand Prix circuit and at national championships, but coaches and fellow skaters expressed support for her long‑term vision. Many see her break as an opportunity for emerging talent to gain experience while Liu prepares to return stronger.
Looking ahead to 2027‑28
Liu confirmed she plans to resume competition in the 2027‑28 season, aiming to build on her Olympic success and contend for future world titles. Fans can expect her to re‑enter the competitive field with enhanced performance quality, potentially raising the standard for American figure skating.
Community response
The figure‑skating community responded positively to Liu’s announcement, praising her commitment to personal growth and artistic development. Social‑media reactions highlighted admiration for her willingness to step back, improve, and return with renewed vigor. Local skating clubs across the country noted the inspirational aspect of her decision for young athletes striving for excellence.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
