Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu announced Tuesday that she will not compete during the 2026-27 season, citing a need to "recalibrate" after a demanding year.
Liu, who captured gold in the women's singles event this past winter, shared her decision with followers on Instagram. She stated her intention to use the break to refine her skating and allow her artistry to evolve, emphasizing the importance of her sport reflecting personal growth.
"I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry & skating can evolve," Liu wrote. "It's important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth. I'm gonna take the time to recalibrate, fine-tune things & whatnot. So fear not, I'll be back & in the meantime I'll be rooting for my teammates near & far. See yall soon!"
Liu became a prominent figure after her Olympic victory, securing the first women's singles gold for the United States since 2002. Her performance, set to Donna Summer's rendition of "MacArthur Park," was noted for its technical execution and joyful presentation, earning her a score of 150.20 in the free skate.
Her win in Milan marked a significant moment for American figure skating, with Sarah Hughes being the last to achieve the feat in 2002. Since her Olympic triumph, Liu has been recognized as an Olympic and Gen-Z icon and has made various media appearances.
Liu's decision comes just six months after her Olympic gold medal win, highlighting a period of intense activity and achievement in her career.