Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old figure skater, has made a triumphant return to competition on her own terms, determined to win gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games in Italy. Despite not being officially selected for the US team yet, Liu's impressive performances at previous international events have cemented her position as one of the top contenders.
Her comeback is nothing short of remarkable. After retiring from competitive figure skating at the tender age of 16, Liu has spent several years rekindling her passion for the sport. What sets her apart this time around is the newfound sense of control over her career that she's established. From the intricacies of her music selection to the design of her costumes, Liu has taken a more active role in shaping her programs.
Coach Phillip DiGuglielmo notes that Liu's return is akin to a "reboot" – a new chapter where she exercises her right to express herself freely. This autonomy has allowed her to refine her skills and focus on what truly matters: mastering the technical aspects of the sport.
Under DiGuglielmo's guidance, Liu has become an even more formidable skater. Her performances at the US Championships and world championships have been nothing short of awe-inspiring, with flawless execution and precision jumping. What sets Liu apart is not only her attention to detail but also her unwavering confidence under pressure.
Liu attributes much of her success to her "mini-retirement" from competitive figure skating. By taking time off, she was able to reconnect with loved ones, rekindle relationships, and rediscover the joy of the sport. This newfound sense of humanity has undoubtedly influenced her approach to competition, imbuing her performances with a renewed sense of purpose.
As Liu prepares for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, it's clear that she's going back to the ice on her own terms – not driven by external expectations but fueled by her own determination. With her sights set firmly on gold, Liu is poised to write another chapter in what promises to be an inspiring comeback story.
Her comeback is nothing short of remarkable. After retiring from competitive figure skating at the tender age of 16, Liu has spent several years rekindling her passion for the sport. What sets her apart this time around is the newfound sense of control over her career that she's established. From the intricacies of her music selection to the design of her costumes, Liu has taken a more active role in shaping her programs.
Coach Phillip DiGuglielmo notes that Liu's return is akin to a "reboot" – a new chapter where she exercises her right to express herself freely. This autonomy has allowed her to refine her skills and focus on what truly matters: mastering the technical aspects of the sport.
Under DiGuglielmo's guidance, Liu has become an even more formidable skater. Her performances at the US Championships and world championships have been nothing short of awe-inspiring, with flawless execution and precision jumping. What sets Liu apart is not only her attention to detail but also her unwavering confidence under pressure.
Liu attributes much of her success to her "mini-retirement" from competitive figure skating. By taking time off, she was able to reconnect with loved ones, rekindle relationships, and rediscover the joy of the sport. This newfound sense of humanity has undoubtedly influenced her approach to competition, imbuing her performances with a renewed sense of purpose.
As Liu prepares for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, it's clear that she's going back to the ice on her own terms – not driven by external expectations but fueled by her own determination. With her sights set firmly on gold, Liu is poised to write another chapter in what promises to be an inspiring comeback story.
SHE'S BEEN WORKING SO HARD AND IT SHOWS IN HER PERFORMANCE!! 
I LOVE HOW SHE'S TAKEN CONTROL OF HER CAREER AND IS FOCUSED ON PERFECTING HER SKILLS. IT'S GREAT TO SEE A SKATER WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO BE UNIQUE AND EXPRESS HERSELF THROUGH HER MUSIC SELECTION AND COSTUME DESIGN. 
PHILLIP DIGUGLIELMO MUST BE A GREAT COACH!!! 
ALYSA'S DETERMINATION AND CONFIDENCE ARE INSPRINGING TO WATCH!! 
I THINK SHE'S GOT THIS FOR THE 2026 MILAN CORTINA GAMES!!!
I think Alysa Liu's decision to take control of her career and reignite her passion for figure skating is super refreshing! It's awesome that she's able to express herself freely through her music selection and costume design - it's really making a difference in her performances 
. At the same time, I'm curious if this newfound autonomy will put any extra pressure on her? Can she maintain this level of focus and confidence under all that added responsibility? 
her reboot is giving me LIFE, who needs external expectations when u got ur own drive & passion? 
i love how she's taking control of everything from music to costumes, it's all about self-expression & owning ur art 
and can we talk about how she's mastering those technical jumps? 
she's not just competing for herself anymore, but also for the people who believed in her when no one else would 
alysa liu is literally my spirit animal right now 
! She's not just competing for the gold, she's doing it on her own terms and that's so inspiring 
I'm literally rooting for her to win gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games 
. It's so refreshing to see someone prioritize their mental health and happiness, especially in a high-pressure field like competitive sports 
! Coach Phillip DiGuglielmo is a genius for recognizing Liu's need for autonomy and empowering her to take charge of her own success. This comeback story is gonna be EPIC 
Can't wait to see her bring home that gold in 2026 
Sometimes, we need to take a break from life's expectations and do what feels right for us. It's the time to reconnect with ourselves and loved ones, rekindle passions, and rediscover joy. Liu's comeback shows that with determination and control, we can turn our "mini-retirements" into opportunities to shine even brighter! 
. It shows that even top athletes can benefit from taking a step back and re-evaluating their priorities. Liu's newfound sense of control over her career is giving me major #girlboss vibes 
, and I'm excited to see how she'll perform at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games 
. It's inspiring to see her reconnect with loved ones and rediscover the joy of skating. She's not just chasing a gold medal, she's chasing her passion 
. I'm rooting for her all the way, and I know she's gonna crush it in Milan 
just pure determination & passion. bringin' home that gold in milan cant wait!!
I'm rooting for her all the way - gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, here she comes! 
. I'm rooting for her all the way!