Alysa Liu: "Now I make my own decisions"

Following the 2021/22 Olympic season, 16-year-old American Alysa Liu surprisingly announced her retirement from competitive skating. After finishing seventh at the Olympic Games in Beijing and winning bronze at the World Championships in Montpellier, she announced that had achieved all her goals. Even more surprising was Liu's announcement in March 2024 that she would be returning. The now 19-year-old competed at the Challenger event in Budapest for the first time in 2 1/2 years at an international competition - and won it right away. We met Liu for an interview after the free skate.

Congratulations on your victory in Budapest. How did you feel at your first competition?

Alysa: I was very excited before the competition, but it was positive excitement. It felt completely right on the ice. I enjoyed skating to music again, showing my jumps and choreography. Of course I'm super happy about the win. I went into the competition with no expectations and had no idea where I would end up in terms of results. I'm really pleased with how I got through both programs. There is still room for improvement, especially in the free skate, but I'm really happy with the first competition.