Alysa Liu Shares Why She Came Back: A Passion Reignited

Alysa Liu © Pinterest

The figure skating world was stunned when Alysa Liu, the phenom known as “Alysa the Quad Queen,” announced her retirement in 2022 at the tender age of 16. A whirlwind of success, including two U.S. national titles and a dazzling Olympic debut, seemed to culminate in an early exit from the sport. But now, just a year later, Liu is back on the ice, and she’s finally sharing the reasons behind her surprising return.

In a recent interview, Liu opened up about the complex emotions that led to her initial retirement and the subsequent rekindling of her passion. “After the Olympics,” Liu explained, “I felt…empty. I had achieved so much so young, and I think I lost sight of why I started skating in the first place. It became about the pressure, the results, everything but the joy of just being on the ice.”

Liu described the intense pressure cooker of elite figure skating, the constant scrutiny, and the toll it took on her mental health. “I needed a break,” she admitted. “I needed to rediscover myself outside of skating. I wanted to experience life as a normal teenager, to spend time with friends, to explore other interests.”

During her time away from the ice, Liu did just that. She focused on her studies, explored artistic pursuits, and simply enjoyed being a teenager. This period of self-discovery proved crucial. “The time away gave me perspective,” she said. “I realized how much I actually missed skating. It wasn’t just about the competitions or the medals. It was about the feeling of gliding across the ice, the challenge of learning new skills, the pure joy of movement.”

The spark, it seemed, had been reignited. Liu explained that the desire to return wasn’t about proving anything or chasing past glories. It was about reconnecting with her love for the sport on her own terms. “I’m coming back because I want to,” she emphasized. “I want to skate for myself, to push my boundaries, and to enjoy every moment on the ice.”

Liu’s return is not just a comeback story; it’s a testament to the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and listening to one’s inner voice. She hopes her experience will inspire other young athletes to take care of their mental health and to remember why they fell in love with their sport in the first place.

While Liu acknowledges the challenges ahead, she approaches her return with a renewed sense of purpose and a brighter outlook. “I’m excited for what the future holds,” she said. “I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I just want to skate, have fun, and see where this journey takes me.” The figure skating world eagerly awaits her return, not just to witness her incredible talent, but also to celebrate her courage and her renewed passion for the sport.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer