Alysa Liu, the prodigious figure skater who once captivated audiences as the youngest U.S. figure skating champion, is back and making waves on the ice once again. With her unique ability to effortlessly execute complex routines, including the elusive triple axel and quad lutz, she had already built a name for herself as a formidable force in the sport. However, at just 16 years old, Liu took an unexpected detour by stepping away from competition, leading many to wonder if we'd ever see her compete again. Now, just two years later, Liu is gearing up for the world figure skating championships at Boston's TD Garden, reigniting her career with renewed fervor.

The Unforeseen Hiatus

Reflecting on her temporary departure from skating, Liu explains that the COVID-19 lockdown provided her with a rare pause from her rigorous training schedule of skating multiple times a day. "That was my first ever break," she recalls. Forced to adapt, she moved to Delaware with her father, where she discovered a newfound freedom to explore her identity away from the ice. During this period of introspection, Liu realized just how much she valued family, marking pivotal moments in her journey.

Over the past two years, Liu explored a diverse range of experiences, from hiking in the Himalayas to enjoying her first family vacation in Mexico. Strikingly, she dabbled in other sports, but the ice always beckoned her back. A ski trip in Lake Tahoe would eventually reignite her passion for skating, prompting her to return to the rink, inspired to skate not for accolades, but simply for the joy of it.

A New Approach

Liu's comeback represents more than a return to competition; it symbolizes an evolution in her relationship with the sport. With a focus on building her own coaching team, she reached out to her former coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, and the acclaimed choreographer Massimo Scali. "It's really great to have a team that understands you," she affirms, explaining how this support enables her to rediscover her love for figure skating without the pressures that once accompanied her training.

As she prepared her short program for upcoming competitions, she curated music and visuals that articulated her journey. Liu's short program, set to Laufey's "Promise," captures themes of unexpected goodbyes and reconnections, resonating with her personal narrative. This season has already proven fruitful, with her recent performances garnering standing ovations and podium finishes in international competitions.

The Road Ahead

As Liu gears up for the world championships, the stakes are high; the U.S. women's team needs to secure their spots for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. Each move will count, and Liu has her sights set on placing better than ever.

As her coaches and peers rally around her, the figure skating community is equally supportive of Liu's return. Not only does she inspire young skaters to chase their dreams, but her story breaks the mold of what it means to achieve success in figure skating.

In a world that tends to call for early achievements, Liu advocates for a shift in mentality, encouraging others to pursue their passions throughout their lives, regardless of age. "If there was no one on Earth, I would still skate," she says assuredly. This reaffirmation not only encapsulates her journey but serves as a poignant reminder that the true essence of skating and sports, in general, lies in the pure enjoyment and expression they offer.

As she prepares for this week's championship, Liu embodies resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to embracing the journey ahead. Keep your eyes peeled; this is just the beginning of Alysa Liu's remarkable comeback story!