Who is Alysa Liu?
Where is Alysa Liu from?
Alysa Liu was raised in Richmond, California. Her father, Arthur Liu, emigrated from China and Alysa and her four younger siblings were born to surrogate mothers through anonymous egg donors. Liu’s father, an attorney, first brought her to the Oakland Ice Center, where coaches quickly noticed her talent and thirst to learn. Liu became the youngest ever U.S. Figure Skating champion at just 13 years old, landing three triple axels over her two programs. Her early success and jumping talent meant she quickly was seen as the U.S. answer to the many young Russian skaters dominating podiums at the time.
How old is Alysa Liu in 2026?
Born on August 8, 2005, Alysa Liu will be 20 years old at the time of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
When did Alysa Liu start figure skating?
Liu first stepped onto the ice at age five, when her father, inspired by legends like Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi, thought the activity may be good for his energetic daughter. What began as recreational skating lessons quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit. By the time she was 10, she already was attempting double Axels, a jump that often separates casual skaters from serious contenders. At age 12, she was competing against much older skaters and consistently holding her own. Those early years laid the foundation for a swift rise to the top that few could have predicted.
How did Alysa Liu rise to fame as the youngest U.S. women’s champion?
Her breakthrough came in 2019, when Liu became the youngest-ever U.S. women’s champion at just 13 years old. She was too young to even compete at the world junior championships, and it took three seasons working on her skating skills and technique with longtime coach, Laura Lipetsky, before she stepped onto senior international competitive ice.
At the 2019 Detroit national championships, she landed not one but three triple Axels — the first U.S. woman to do so. In 2020, she became the world junior bronze medalist, also becoming the first woman ever to land a quadruple Lutz and triple Axel in a single program at a junior grand prix earlier that season. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she placed sixth overall and brought home the world bronze medal a month later in Montpellier, France.
Did Alysa Liu retire after the 2022 Beijing Olympics?
Yes. After helping Team USA to a bronze medal in the team event at the Beijing Games and finishing seventh in the women’s singles competition, Liu capped her season with a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, her first senior world medal. Then, just weeks later, she announced her retirement at only 16 years old. Citing a desire to live a normal life, pursue education, and step away from the grind of competitive skating, she walked away on top — leaving fans wondering whether her story truly was finished.
Why did Alysa Liu return to skating ahead of Milan Cortina 2026?
After stepping away from the sport in 2022, Liu kept a low profile, enjoying college life and time away from the ice. But in 2024, a skiing trip and a casual return to the rink reignited her competitive spark. Landing a double Axel reminded her of the rush she once thrived on, and soon she was back in full training with her coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali. With her perspective refreshed and her body rested, Liu set her sights on Milan Cortina 2026. This comeback isn’t just about medals — it’s about returning to the ice on her own terms, chasing the thrill that first made her fall in love with skating.
Alysa Liu’s Figure Skating Career
What is Alysa Liu’s career timeline in figure skating?
- 2019 – Wins first U.S. title at age 13, becoming the youngest champion in history
- 2020 – Defends her U.S. crown at 14, showcasing her triple Axels
- 2021 – Claims bronze at the World Junior Championships
- 2022 – Competes at the Beijing Olympics, helps Team USA secure bronze, finishes 6th in women’s singles. Brings home bronze at the world championships in Montpellier, ending her first career chapter on a high note.
- 2024 – Announces her comeback ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympic cycle
- 2024–25 – Returns to the Grand Prix series, wins gold at the world championships
How many U.S. Championships has Alysa Liu won?
Liu is a two-time U.S. national champion, having won in both 2019 and 2020. Her 2019 victory was especially historic — she was just 13, competing against seasoned senior skaters, and pulling off a performance that redefined what was possible for American women’s skating. Winning again in 2020 proved she wasn’t a one-hit wonder, but a genuine phenom capable of sustaining excellence at the national level.
Did Alysa Liu win a world championship medal?
Yes. At the 2022 World Championships in Montpellier, France, Liu earned the bronze medal in women’s singles. That podium finish not only made her the first U.S. woman to earn a medal at worlds since Ashley Wagner claimed silver in 2016, but also validated her decision to push through injuries and personal challenges during that Olympic season. It was her crowning achievement before she announced her retirement just weeks later.
How did Alysa Liu perform at the 2022 Beijing Olympics?
In Beijing, Liu was one of the youngest skaters in the field. She helped Team USA secure a bronze medal in the figure skating team event and finished seventh overall in the women’s singles competition. Though she didn’t earn a medal individually, her performances were clean, energetic, and fearless — qualities that earned her fans around the world. For a first Olympics, especially at just 16, it was a strong showing that hinted at her enormous potential.
What jumps and technical skills is Alysa Liu known for?
From the beginning of her career, Liu has been known as a skilled jumper. She was one of the few American women consistently landing triple Axels. She also trained and competed quadruple jumps, though those were more difficult to keep consistent as her body matured. Her programs always have been built around her technical firepower, but she also has grown into her artistry over the years, using her natural charisma to balance power with performance.
Has Alysa Liu landed triple Axels or quads in competition?
Yes. Alysa Liu made history as the first U.S. woman to land a quadruple jump in competition, completing a quad Lutz in 2019 at a junior event. She also became the youngest American to land a triple Axel in competition. These groundbreaking jumps were what set her apart from her peers, especially in her early teens, when she was competing against older skaters who couldn’t match her technical arsenal.
How does Alysa Liu compare to Tara Lipinski and Michelle Kwan?
Liu’s story draws natural comparisons to other U.S. figure skating icons. Like Tara Lipinski, who won Olympic gold at age 15, Liu broke records as a teenager and showed that youth could redefine the sport. And like Michelle Kwan, she has in recent years developed into a skater admired for her longevity, artistry, and maturity on the ice. While she has yet to match their Olympic medal count, her combination of prodigy status, early retirement and comeback, sets her apart as one of the most intriguing figures in modern U.S. skating history.
Alysa Liu’s Road to the Milan Cortina Olympics 2026
Will Alysa Liu compete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics?
It remains to be seen how this next season will go for Liu, but she officially has declared her return to competition with Milan Cortina 2026 as her main goal, and is in a strong position to succeed. Since resuming full-time training in 2024, she has rebuilt her programs, regained many of her jumps, and after her surprise world championship title in 2025, her comeback no longer is hypothetical: she actively is chasing a spot on Team USA for her second Winter Games.
Could Alysa Liu win an Olympic medal at Milan Cortina?
Liu very much is in the medal conversation. She announced she is training to bring back her triple Axel, which would give her the technical arsenal to challenge the world’s best. However, reaching the podium in Milan won’t be easy — she has steep competition from skaters from Japan, South Korea and Russia (if a skater qualifies to compete under a neutral status), but Liu has the talent and experience to deliver when it counts.
What programs and music is Alysa Liu preparing for Milan Cortina 2026?
Liu is known for blending contemporary and classical styles, often choosing music that highlights her expressive side. In early September, she announced she will be competing to “This Is How It Feels” by d4vd & Laufey for her short program, and a Lady Gaga medley for her free skate. Working with choreographer Massimo Scali, she has built programs that balance her high-difficulty jumps with polished transitions and artistry.
What challenges could Alysa Liu face at the Milan Cortina Olympics?
Liu’s biggest challenges are both physical and mental. After a two-year break, sustaining peak conditioning over a full season can be demanding. The women’s field also is deeper than ever, with many skaters pushing the technical envelope. Beyond competition, the pressure of expectations will test her resilience. Managing nerves on the Olympic stage, especially during a high-stakes free skate, could make the difference between a podium finish and falling short.
How important would Olympic success be for Alysa Liu’s legacy?
An Olympic medal would transform Liu’s story from that of a prodigy to that of a legend. As the youngest U.S. champion in history, she already holds a special place in American skating history. But Olympic success would put her alongside Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Sarah Hughes in the pantheon of U.S. women’s Olympic champions. For Liu, the Milan Cortina Olympics could be the defining chapter of her career.
Why are fans searching “Alysa Liu Milan Cortina Olympics 2026”?
Because her story is so compelling and unique. From teenage phenom to early retiree, and now to comeback contender, Liu’s journey has captivated fans worldwide. With her age, charisma, and technical daring, she embodies both the sport’s present and its future. As the Olympics approach, curiosity about her readiness, programs, and medal potential has fueled the buzz — making her one of U.S figure skating's most talked-about athletes heading into the Winter Games.
Alysa Liu in Figure Skating Competitions
What are Alysa Liu’s biggest career highlights in figure skating?
Liu’s career has been defined by several history-making firsts. At age 13, she became the youngest U.S. women’s champion in history. She defended that title in 2020 and went on to represent the U.S. at the 2022 Winter Olympics, where she helped secure a bronze in the team event. Weeks later, she claimed bronze at the world championships — the first U.S. women’s singles skater to claim a medal at worlds since 2016. In 2025, after less than a year back in training, she claimed the gold medal at the world championships in Boston. The win was a surprise to everyone, including herself, as she hoped her first season back would produce a top-10 finish at best. These milestones already have secured her legacy as one of America’s most influential skaters of the last decade.
How many U.S. titles did Alysa Liu win before age 16?
Liu won two U.S. senior national titles before she even was eligible for a driver’s license. Her back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2020 at age 13 and 14 made her not only the youngest women’s champion ever but also one of the youngest to dominate so convincingly against seasoned skaters. By the time she turned 16, she already had built a résumé most skaters dream of.
Has Alysa Liu set any records for youngest U.S. champion?
Liu broke a 22-year-old record when she became the youngest U.S. women’s champion in 2019 at age 13. The record previously had been held by Tara Lipinski, who won her only U.S. title at 14 in 1997. Liu’s achievement placed her in elite company and highlighted her as America’s next great skating hope.
How does Alysa Liu rank in ISU world standings?
As of her comeback season, Liu has reestablished herself inside the ISU’s top-10 world rankings. Her consistent placements at Grand Prix events and her world championship bronze helped boost her profile before her brief retirement. With her world title win after her return in 2024–25, she has shown she confidently can hold her own among the sport’s elite.
Alysa Liu Fun Facts and Personal Life
What is Alysa Liu’s net worth in 2026?
By 2026, Alysa Liu’s net worth is estimated in the low-to-mid six figures. While she hasn’t built the same endorsement empire as past champions, her national titles, international medals, and comeback story have kept her in the spotlight. Her earnings come from a mix of competition prize money, sponsorships, and appearances.
How much does Alysa Liu make from endorsements and sponsorships?
Liu has worked with several sponsors since her teenage rise, with companies drawn to her status as a prodigy and trailblazer. After Beijing 2022, she gained more visibility, and her 2024 comeback sparked renewed interest. While her deals aren’t on the scale of household names like Michelle Kwan or Nathan Chen, she remains a marketable figure thanks to her youth, charisma, and Olympic appeal.
What skate brand and gear does Alysa Liu use?
Like many elite skaters, Liu relies on custom boots and blades designed to withstand the pounding of triple Axels and quads. She has used brands such as Edea for boots and John Wilson for blades, both staples among top international skaters. Her gear specifically is tailored to her needs, balancing support with flexibility to maximize jump height and precision.
How many followers does Alysa Liu have on Instagram?
Liu has built a solid following on Instagram, with hundreds of thousands of fans keeping up with her training, travels, and glimpses of life outside skating. During her retirement, she stepped back from posting, but her return to competition has reignited her social media presence, and her follower count has climbed steadily in the lead-up to Milan Cortina 2026.
What are Alysa Liu’s hobbies outside figure skating?
Away from the rink, Liu enjoys the same pursuits as many young adults her age. She’s a student at UCLA, balancing training with study. She loves exploring new cities and spending time with her siblings. Reading, art, and music are among her creative outlets, offering her balance from the intensity of training. Her time away from skating also gave her a chance simply to be a teenager, something she has said was important to her growth.
Has Alysa Liu been featured in documentaries or media profiles?
Yes. Liu has been the subject of numerous media profiles, from national outlets like NBC Sports to features in the San Francisco Chronicle that chronicled her early rise. She also has appeared in U.S. Figure Skating’s digital content and has been spotlighted by international skating media. Her early retirement and unexpected return have made her story especially compelling for sports media worldwide.
What are some fun facts about Alysa Liu’s skating journey?
Liu is the oldest of five siblings, all born through surrogate mothers and egg donors — something her father, Arthur, openly has spoken about. She speaks Mandarin, thanks to her family’s heritage. She was the first U.S. woman to land a quadruple Lutz in competition, a groundbreaking technical achievement. And she’s also a pioneer in U.S. skating history as the youngest national champion, forever linked to that record-setting moment in Detroit at age 13.