Alysa Liu announced via Instagram that she will sit out the 2026-27 competitive season, despite winning the World Championships in 2025 and Olympic gold in 2026. The 21-year-old from Richmond made the announcement while in Boston for "US Figure Skating x Fashion: Styling 2027" and the "Summer Sizzler" preseason showcase. Liu stated she wants to challenge herself in new ways so her artistry and skating can evolve alongside her personal growth.
Liu's decision dominated conversations at Champs Camp, the preseason training event where top U.S. skaters gathered. At a live recording of "The Runthrough" figure skating podcast, hosts Ashley Wager, Adam Rippon and Sarah Hughes discussed her hiatus plans. Liu promised fans she would return to competition after taking time away.
The Olympic champion headlined fan events at the Prudential Center in Boston, greeting supporters and posing for photos next to displays of skating costumes. Hours earlier, Liu had finished the Stars on Ice tour, where she performed her acclaimed "MacArthur Park" free skate that earned her the world title and Olympic gold.
