Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu has officially withdrawn from the world championships scheduled for later this month, a move that comes as little surprise following her historic gold medal performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The 20-year-old American star, who recently showcased her Olympic medals on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, will not compete when the event begins on 24 March at the O2 Arena in Prague.
US Team Adjustments Following Liu's Withdrawal
Liu was originally set to perform alongside Olympic teammates Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito at the world championships. With Bradie Tennell, the first alternate, declining the opportunity, Sarah Everhardt will now step in to take Liu's place on the US team roster. This adjustment maintains the American presence in the competition while allowing Liu to rest after an intense season.
Historic Achievements and Comeback Story
Alysa Liu's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After retiring following the 2022 Beijing Games, she made a triumphant comeback two years later, capturing the world title in Boston last year—the first American woman to do so since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. She followed this achievement with an Olympic gold medal in Milan, becoming the first US woman to win the event since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
Liu actually secured two gold medals in Italy, teaming up with Amber Glenn to help the United States defend its Olympic team title. Her success has catapulted her to stardom, not only for her athletic prowess but also for her distinctive personality and style.
Unique Style and Positive Outlook
Once experiencing burnout from the sport, Liu returned with a fresh, happy-go-lucky attitude that served her well under the pressure of the Winter Games. Her unique appearance, featuring a streaked haircut designed to mimic tree growth rings and a prominent frenulum piercing, has helped her eschew the traditional "ice princess" image. Instead, she has embraced a look that resonates with alternative, punk, and emo communities, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
Common Post-Olympic Withdrawals
It is common for Olympic athletes to skip the world championships that follow the Games. The figure skating season is lengthy, with events beginning in early fall, and many competitors choose to start their offseason early after the immense stress of Olympic competition. Liu's decision aligns with this trend, allowing her to recover and prepare for future endeavors.
Other Notable Withdrawals
Liu is not alone in withdrawing from the world championships. Other prominent skaters who have opted out include:
- Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the Olympic pairs champions from Japan
- Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii, the pairs team that helped Italy earn team bronze
- Loena Hendrickx of Belgium, who endured an injury-plagued season and finished 14th in the women's event at the Milan Cortina Games
These withdrawals highlight the physical and mental toll of the Olympic season, underscoring the importance of rest and recovery for elite athletes. As the figure skating world looks ahead to Prague, fans will undoubtedly miss seeing Liu compete, but her legacy as an Olympic champion and trailblazer remains firmly intact.
