Alysa Liu, the remarkable 20-year-old American figure skater, has left fans around the world deeply moved after sharing a candid 57-second video on her social media channels. Posted just moments after her historic triumph at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, the short clip captures her raw emotions as she reflects on a journey filled with groundbreaking achievements, intense pressures, a surprising retirement, and an inspiring comeback. In the video, Alysa speaks softly yet powerfully about the memorable highs—like becoming the youngest U.S.

national champion at age 13—and the challenges she faced, including burnout that led her to step away from competitive skating at just 16. Her words, delivered with maturity far beyond her years, have resonated profoundly, drawing millions of views, heartfelt comments, and tears from supporters who admire her resilience and authenticity.

Born on August 8, 2005, in Clovis, California, Alysa grew up as the eldest of five siblings in a supportive family environment. She laced up her first pair of skates at age five, quickly displaying an extraordinary natural talent that set her apart. By age 12, she made international headlines as the youngest woman ever to land a triple Axel in competition, a feat that showcased her technical brilliance and fearless approach. At 13, she shattered records by winning the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, becoming the youngest champion in the event’s history.

She defended that title the following year, cementing her status as a prodigy in the sport.

Alysa’s early career was defined by pioneering moments. She became the first American woman to land a quadruple jump—a quad Lutz—in international competition. Even more impressively, she was the first female skater worldwide to combine a quad and a triple Axel in the same program. These technical innovations helped her secure multiple titles on the junior circuit and earned her a spot on the U.S. team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. There, at just 16, she placed seventh in the women’s singles event while contributing to the team event silver medal.

Shortly after, she earned a bronze at the 2022 World Championships, marking the first U.S. women’s worlds podium in years and signaling her potential as a future star.

Yet, the relentless demands of elite competition took their toll. Following her worlds bronze, Alysa announced her retirement in April 2022, citing a need for balance, family time, and personal freedom. Many wondered if the young phenom would ever return to the ice competitively. During her hiatus, she enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she pursued studies in psychology. This period away from the spotlight allowed her to rediscover joy in skating purely for herself, without the weight of expectations.

She focused on mental health, personal growth, and enjoying life as a typical college student—experiences that proved transformative.

In a stunning reversal, Alysa announced her return to competition for the 2024-2025 season. Skating with renewed passion and a healthier mindset, she quickly reclaimed her elite status. She earned silver at the 2025 U.S. Championships, then captured the 2025 World Championships title in Boston—becoming the first American woman to win worlds since 2006. Her comeback continued with dominance on the Grand Prix circuit, leading to her qualification for the 2026 Olympics. At Milan-Cortina, Alysa helped Team USA secure gold in the team event early in the Games, showcasing her consistency and team spirit.

The pinnacle came in the women’s singles competition. After placing third in the short program with a strong, emotional performance scoring 76.59 points—a new international personal best—she delivered a breathtaking free skate to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite.” Dressed in a sparkling gold outfit that symbolized her triumphant return, Alysa executed seven clean triples and four doubles, earning no negative grades of execution. Her components scores reflected the joy and artistry she brought to the ice, with wide smiles and effortless flow that captivated judges and audiences alike.

Posting 150.20 in the free skate for a total of 226.79, she surged ahead to claim individual gold, edging out Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (silver) and Ami Nakai (bronze).

This victory ended a 24-year wait for U.S. women’s figure skating Olympic gold—the last coming from Sarah Hughes in 2002—and marked the first individual medal for an American woman since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006. Alysa became a dual Olympic champion at the Games, a feat that highlighted her growth from child prodigy to mature, joyful athlete. Commentators praised her fearlessness, sportsmanship—she hugged and comforted rivals on the ice—and the visible lack of tension that defined her performance.

In the emotional 57-second video shared shortly after her win, Alysa opened up about the full arc of her story. She spoke of the thrill of early breakthroughs, the exhaustion that prompted her retirement, the healing during her time at UCLA, and the pure happiness she rediscovered upon returning. “I skated with joy this time,” she reflected, emphasizing how prioritizing mental well-being and personal choice transformed her experience. The clip’s vulnerability struck a chord in an era where athletes increasingly discuss burnout and balance.

Fans responded with an outpouring of support, calling her an inspiration for young people navigating pressure in sports and life.

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At only 20, Alysa’s maturity shines through. Her journey illustrates that stepping back can lead to greater strength, and that success rooted in love for the sport feels profoundly different from one driven by obligation. With her social media following surging and cities like Oakland planning celebrations, she has emerged as a global icon. Alysa has hinted at continuing to compete, possibly defending her world title or exploring new seasons, while keeping options open for exhibitions, coaching, or media work in the future.

Her Olympic triumph and heartfelt video remind everyone that true greatness involves resilience, vulnerability, and staying authentic. Alysa Liu didn’t just win gold—she showed the world how to skate—and live—with joy after overcoming real challenges. Her story continues to touch hearts, proving that the most powerful comebacks often begin with the courage to pause and heal.