Skating Phenom Alysa Liu Returns to the Rink

Champion figure skater Alysa Liu will return to the ice after a two-year hiatus. 

At an early age, Alysa Liu of the United States rose to the top of the figure skating world. In 2019, she became the youngest skater ever to win a title at the U.S. National Championships. She was only 13.

Three years later, after winning the bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, the Olympian decided to step away from the sport. “I'm only 16,” she said at the time. “I want to do other stuff.”

Now 18, Alysa recently announced that she would return to competitive figure skating. She plans to compete in the 2024-’25 season, which begins in September. 

“It was good for me to take time off from skating,” Alysa said in a press release. “I am beyond excited to begin skating again with my newly-found perspective.” 

BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESSES

Alysa’s return has sparked excitement among fans, fellow skaters, and coaches. “We look forward to supporting Alysa in her career as she seeks to build on the success she has already achieved in recent seasons," said Justin Dillon, a U.S. Figure Skating official.

Sherri Krahne Thomas is my figure skating coach at Sharks Ice in Fremont, California. She, too, is eager to watch Alysa’s return to the ice. "Her last competition season was quite demanding, so I can understand why she needed some time off,” Thomas said. “I don’t doubt that she will do an excellent job and perform exceptionally well.”

Lena Han, 11, a fellow skater at Sharks, is also excited about the next phase of Alysa’s athletic career. “She'll make a great comeback no matter how long she’s been away,” Lena said. “I can’t wait to see her on the stage again soon.”