Alysa Liu

🧊 Introduction to Alysa Liu

Alysa Liu is a trailblazing American figure skater renowned for her technical prowess and historic achievements on the ice. Born on August 8, 2005, in Clovis, California, Liu has captivated audiences worldwide with her remarkable talent and resilience. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest U.S. national champion in history, and in 2025, she ended a 19-year American gold medal drought by winning the World Figure Skating Championships. Her journey, marked by early success, a brief retirement, and a triumphant return, exemplifies determination and passion in the world of figure skating.

👶 Early Life and Background

Alysa Liu was born in Clovis, California, and raised in Richmond, California. She is the eldest of five children born to Arthur Liu, a Chinese immigrant and former political refugee who fled China after the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. Arthur, a single father, utilized surrogacy to build his family and has been a steadfast supporter of Alysa's skating career.

Liu began skating at the age of five, quickly demonstrating exceptional talent. She initially attended Chinese school for three years before transferring to the Oakland School for the Arts, which offered a figure skating program. Due to the demands of her training and competition schedule, she later enrolled in California Connections Academy, a virtual school, allowing her to balance academics with her rigorous skating commitments. Liu graduated from high school in June 2021 at the age of 15 and subsequently enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she is currently studying psychology. 

⛸️ Skating Career and Achievements

Early Success

Liu's ascent in the figure skating world was meteoric. In 2019, at just 13 years old, she became the youngest skater to win the U.S. National Championships, a record previously held by Tara Lipinski. She defended her title in 2020, setting a national scoring record of 235.52 points. Liu is also notable for her technical milestones; she was the first American woman to land a quadruple jump and the first to complete both a quadruple jump and a triple Axel in the same program. 

International Competitions

Liu's international debut was equally impressive. She earned a bronze medal at the 2020 World Junior Championships and a silver at the 2019–20 Junior Grand Prix Final. In 2021, she won gold at both the Nebelhorn Trophy and the Lombardia Trophy. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Liu finished seventh in the women's singles event and later secured a bronze medal at the World Championships that same year. 

Retirement and Comeback

In April 2022, at the age of 16, Liu announced her retirement from competitive figure skating, citing a desire to experience life beyond the sport. However, a ski trip in early 2024 rekindled her passion for skating, leading to a remarkable comeback. She resumed training, balancing her athletic pursuits with her studies at UCLA. Liu's return to competition was marked by a gold medal at the 2024 CS Budapest Trophy and a silver at the 2025 U.S. Championships. 

2025 World Champion

Liu's comeback reached its pinnacle at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, where she delivered a stunning free skate to Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park." Her performance earned her a personal best total score of 222.97 points, making her the first American woman to win the World Championships since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. 

🎓 Education and Personal Life

Beyond the rink, Liu is dedicated to her education and personal growth. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at UCLA. Liu has also been recognized for her influence and contributions to the sport; in 2019, she was named to the inaugural Time 100 Next list, highlighting rising stars shaping the future. 

Liu's journey reflects a balance between athletic excellence and personal development, inspiring many with her resilience and commitment to both her sport and her personal aspirations.

🏆 Legacy and Impact

Alysa Liu's career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a profound impact on American figure skating. Her technical innovations, including being the first American woman to land a quadruple jump, have pushed the boundaries of the sport. Her story of early success, retirement, and triumphant return serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide, demonstrating the importance of passion, perseverance, and balance.

As she continues to compete and pursue her education, Liu remains a prominent figure in the figure skating community, embodying the spirit of dedication and the pursuit of excellence.