There’s something so special about the way that Alysa Liu skates. It’s clear that she sees the ice as a stage for her own personal expression — not simply a competition or quest for validation from the judges. She has always been authentically herself and true to her mental health. And, honestly? Her decision to step away from this year’s competition season is the clearest example yet.
On Aug. 25, Liu announced on Instagram that she won’t be competing in the 2026-27 figure skating season to “recalibrate” and focus on evolving her artistry. “I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry and skating can evolve,” she writes. “It’s important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth.”
But the thing is, this isn’t the first time 21-year-old Liu has taken a break from the sport. After the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Liu retired at 16-years-old due to the immense amount of pressure and burnout that came with competing. It wasn’t until 2024 that she returned to the ice — and it was something no one expected at the time.
She came back in 2024 with a fresh new mindset: to skate on her own terms. Her passion is what brought her back to skating, and it’s ultimately what carried her all the way to her gold Olympic title in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. “I don’t need a medal. I just need to be here, and I just need to be present,” Liu said in an interview before winning the Olympic gold medal in women’s singles. “And I need people to see what I do next.”
Liu didn’t return to the ice because she felt obligated to. In fact, when she did return, she made sure to take care of her own schedule, choose her own music and dresses, and prioritize her mental health above it all.
In my eyes, Liu is an inspiration for fellow Gen Zers because she proves that you don’t have to sacrifice yourself in the pursuit of success. It’s OK to change your mind and take breaks — even when the world expects you to keep going. It doesn’t define who you are — it shows that you prioritize yourself, your joy, and your passion.
But this time around, we know Liu is going to be returning. “Fear not, I’ll be back,” she wrote. “And in the meantime, I’ll be rooting for my teammates near and far.” I want to say I won’t be impatiently waiting for her return, but I can’t promise it.
In an era where youth mental health is struggling, we need role models like Liu to prove that you can hit the pause button and still come back to accomplish your dreams with a clear, healthy mindset. Because, honestly? A break never hurt anybody.