U.S Figure Skater Amber Glenn Addresses Alysa Liu's Major Career Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 8:33 AM ET

American figure skater Alysa Liu stunned the sports world in 2022 by retiring at just 16 — including competitor and good friend Amber Glenn. At that point, Liu had just finished sixth in the women’s singles at the Beijing Olympics and won a bronze medal at the World Championships.

Liu cited a desire to experience life beyond the rink and to escape the pressures of elite competition as reasons for retiring. During her two-year hiatus, she lived the life of a normal college student. She traded competitive skating for travel and hobbies like photography and skiing.

However, in early 2024, a ski trip with friends reminded her of the “adrenaline rush” she once felt on the ice. That experience inspired her return, but she wanted to skate on her own terms. Liu sought artistic input for her programs and built a team attuned to her ADHD. She also refused to make collecting gold medals her main goal.

Alysa Liu competes in the championship women's free skate competition during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.© Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Liu’s international success was unparalleled following her 2024 comeback. She won gold at both the 2025 Grand Prix Final and the 2025 World Championships. She also secured double gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, winning the women’s singles and team events.

Throughout her Milan Cortina Olympic journey, the 20-year-old Oakland, California, native maintained a close bond with fellow Team USA skater Amber Glenn. Though they’ve competed against each other for years, the two have built a strong bond over time.

In a recent interview, Glenn spoke about Liu’s decision to retire in 2022. She also discussed how Liu’s comeback story drew massive attention on social media during the 2026 Winter Games.

"It's been so interesting to experience firsthand and see (the surge in interest). Especially when it comes to Alysa because she skyrocketed,” the 26-year-old American figure skater said, via Olympics.com.

"The story behind it — she took two years off, retired, came back on her own terms — was very dramatic, and it made for this perfect story, and that's why it's gone up like it has.

“I think that came with a lot of social media attention. This was the first Winter Games that I think we had this much attention on everything.”

Experts widely regarded Liu’s comeback as one of the most successful in figure skating history. They praised her remarkable growth after a two-year break, returning with power and skills that usually take years to master.

As Glenn said, Liu's story is nothing short of incredible.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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