The figure skating world has been rocked by a disturbing revelation from U.S. Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu, followed by a swift and emotional response from her former longtime coach, Laura Lipetsky. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone published on March 7, 2026, the 20-year-old champion opened up about the extreme pressures she faced in her early training years, including being told to avoid drinking water during intense sessions to prevent “water weight.” The comments sparked widespread outrage online, with fans labeling the practice as abusive and calling for accountability in youth sports.

Liu, who began her competitive career at age 5 under Lipetsky’s guidance and went on to become the youngest U.S. women’s singles champion in history, described a coaching environment where hydration was sometimes restricted. “They were like, ‘Oh water weight—you shouldn’t drink water. You should gargle it,'” she recalled in the interview. The remark highlighted longstanding concerns in figure skating about body image, weight control, and the physical toll on young athletes, drawing parallels to similar allegations in gymnastics and other sports.

Liu emphasized that these experiences contributed to her hitting “rock bottom” before stepping away from competition in 2022, only to make a triumphant return and claim Olympic gold in 2026.

The claim quickly went viral, prompting heated discussions across social media platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram. Fans expressed shock and anger, with comments such as “This is literally child abuse” and “Gargle water??? How is this allowed?” dominating threads on r/FigureSkating and other forums. Many pointed to the broader culture in elite figure skating, where extreme discipline and body scrutiny have long been normalized, often at the expense of athletes’ health.

Just days later, on March 13, 2026, Lipetsky—Liu’s childhood coach from age 5 until their split in 2020—broke her silence with a public statement on social media (initially posted on Instagram and shared via Facebook). In a lengthy post that has since been made private but was widely quoted by outlets like FS Gossips, Us Weekly, and EssentiallySports, Lipetsky firmly denied the allegations directed at her.

“There has been a rumor circulating that I did not allow Alysa to drink water during training. This is simply not true,” Lipetsky wrote. “Athlete health and safety has always been a top priority in my coaching. At no time was Alysa ever prevented from having water or taking care of her physical needs.”

She continued by stressing the importance of discipline in high-level training while rejecting any notion of harmful restriction: “Training at a high level requires discipline, structure, and mutual trust between coach and athlete. But that has never meant denying something as basic and important as hydration.” Lipetsky also addressed the timeline, noting that she and Liu parted ways in 2020, implying that any such practices—if they occurred—happened under different coaching after her tenure. She concluded with a plea: “So please stop the hate towards me and get the timelines right. Thank you.”

The response ignited further debate. Supporters of Lipetsky praised her for defending her reputation and emphasizing athlete well-being, while critics questioned why the rumor persisted and whether Liu’s comments referred to her or subsequent coaches (Liu has worked with multiple coaches since 2020, including brief stints with others after her break). Some fans speculated that the “they” in Liu’s interview referred to a broader team dynamic or different staff, not specifically Lipetsky.

Liu has not directly responded to Lipetsky’s statement as of March 23, 2026. In her Rolling Stone interview, she focused on her personal growth and recovery rather than naming individuals, framing the experience as part of a toxic phase she overcame to reclaim her career. Her 2026 Olympic triumph—marked by flawless programs and emotional resilience—has positioned her as an inspiration for young skaters navigating similar pressures.

The incident has reignited calls for reform in figure skating. Organizations like the U.S. Figure Skating Association and the International Skating Union face renewed scrutiny over athlete welfare policies, including hydration, nutrition, and mental health support. Advocates argue that outdated weight-control tactics must be eradicated to protect minors in the sport.

Lipetsky, a respected coach who earned the 2019 PSA Coach of the Year award, has largely stayed out of the spotlight since parting with Liu. Her decision to speak out reflects the personal toll of such rumors, especially amid the wave of athlete testimonies emerging in recent years.

As the skating community processes this exchange, the focus remains on athlete safety and the importance of open dialogue. Liu’s courage in sharing her story, combined with Lipetsky’s denial, underscores the complex realities behind elite performance—and the need for ongoing reform to ensure no young talent suffers in silence.