Alysa Liu is back, dazzling on the ice as she effortlessly rotates and gains speed before landing a stunning triple flip-triple toe combination. The audience, filled with high school students on a field trip, erupts into applause, and in return, Liu offers a warm smile and a small bow before gliding away. This may be a recovery day for her, but it’s all part of her intense training routine, which includes dynamic stretching and cardio sessions, followed by two hours on the rink. After her practice, she plans to cheer on her brother at his basketball game.

A year and a half ago, if anyone had predicted that Liu would be gearing up for another world championship, she would have dismissed them as unrealistic. Once celebrated as the youngest US figure skating champion, the first American woman to land a triple axel, and the only one to successfully execute a quad lutz, Liu’s trajectory appeared meteoric. Then, at just 16 years old, she shocked the skating world by stepping away from the sport. Now, two years later, she’s re-entering the competitive sphere with renewed vigor as the world figure skating championships kick off in Boston.

The Reasons Behind Her Departure

Liu’s departure from competitive skating stemmed from a period of deep reflection during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With ice rinks closed across California, Liu experienced her first real break from a grueling training schedule that had consumed her for years. 'Once quarantine started, I realized what not skating was like, and I loved it so much,' she shared.

To manage her training during her growth spurt, Liu moved to Delaware with her father. With limited opportunities for in-person coaching, she would listen to music while skating, embracing the chance to explore her own creativity on the ice. This solitude allowed her to reconnect with herself and re-examine her priorities. It was during this time that she recognized how much she missed her family, who watched her rise to stardom from a distance as she pursued competitions around the world.

After a successful stint at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she finished seventh in the women’s competition, Liu made headlines again by announcing her unexpected retirement via social media—a decision she had reached months earlier. For nearly two years, she stepped away from skating, embracing new experiences such as family vacations, hiking in Nepal, and exploring other sports. Yet she maintained her flexibility with stretching exercises and experimented with her self-image, even giving herself a smiley piercing.

A True Passion Ignited Again

A ski trip in Lake Tahoe reignited Liu’s passion for skating. 'I realized that if I enjoy skiing, it would be hypocritical to deny the love I have for skating,' she said. Balancing her classes at UCLA, she began weekly public skate sessions, rediscovering her love for the sport while also allowing herself to have fun on the ice.

Liu's comeback was not merely about returning to the surface; it was deeply rooted in creating a supportive environment. Instead of relying on her father as before, she handpicked her own coaching team, reaching out to former coach Phillip DiGuglielmo and choreographer Massimo Scali for guidance. 'They understand me like no one else does,' she explained, recognizing the importance of having a team that fits her unique journey.

A New Approach to Competitive Skating

For Liu, this time around in her skating career is different. No longer is her focus merely on ranking or titles; she skates for the love of the sport. With her injury history and previous struggles with body image and training intensity, the young athlete has made a conscious decision to alter her relationship with the sport, incorporating joy and creativity.

She’s actively involved in picking her own music and designing her outfits, bringing her vision to life through elaborate playlists and mood boards. Her short program, set to Laufey's 'Promise,' conveys themes of goodbyes and reunions, perfectly encapsulating her return to the ice. As she continues to compete internationally, she is consistently finding herself back on the podium, with recent successes including first-place finishes at events in Hungary and Croatia.

At the upcoming US figure skating national championships, Liu impressed the audience with a stunning performance, earning a standing ovation for her expressive routines. Her coaches express that she’s come back a better skater, showcasing improved power and finesse.

The Road to Boston and Beyond

As the world championships approach, Liu joins other elite competitors, aware that strong placements are critical for securing the US’s spots at the upcoming Winter Olympics. With her training focused on stamina and execution, she’s honing her technique while also embracing her playful side. Liu, supported by her teammate Amber Glenn and others, remains an inspiration in the skating community.

While she is working hard to improve her jumps, Liu also prioritizes the importance of creating memories during competitions. Equipped with a camera to capture moments, she hopes to grow both as a skater and as a person through this journey.

'I would still skate if there was no one on Earth,' Liu emphasized. 'As long as there’s music and ice, I will always be on this journey.' This refreshing mindset suggests that Alysa Liu is not just a competitor; she's a passionate artist, eagerly awaiting to share her love for skating and its artistry with the world. Stay tuned as Alysa Liu pursues her dreams, proving that passion could lead to extraordinary comebacks!