Alysa Liu and Madison Chock were some of the standout performers at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships 2026 held earlier this month. Just a few days following the conclusion of the event, Chock, the seven-time U.S. champion ice dancer, penned a heartfelt reflection, and Liu reacted.
How Did Alysa Liu React as Madison Chock Reflects on Her Team USA Journey?
In the note, she shared how meaningful it was to have loved ones present during a high-pressure championship and welcomed the new Team USA members set to represent the country at the upcoming Winter Olympics, prompting a reaction from Liu.
In addition to sharing her experience, Chock also thanked her fans and followers for their continued support while sharing her excitement for Team USA.
Via an Instagram post, she wrote: “2026 @usfigureskating Championships 💫 It was incredible to share the week with our families and the new members of our Olympic family 🥰 Thank you all so much for your support ❤️ We’re so grateful and excited to represent @teamusa in Milan… soon!”
Liu, 20, wrote: “What a week 🙈”. Another ice dancer picked for the Olympics, Christina Carreira, showed her love for Chock in the comments with emojis “🥰❤️❤️”. Chock’s husband and ice dance partner Evan Bates also chimed in by sending heart emojis.
As Chock sets her sights on a first Olympic gold in ice dance at the 2026 Games, Liu has mounted a determined comeback of her own. After announcing her retirement in 2022, Liu returned to competition in March 2024 and now appears more focused and composed.
Liu Reflects on a Clearer Mindset After Returning to Competitive Skating
Liu has opened up about how differently she now views skating after stepping back into competition, admitting that much of her earlier time in the sport feels distant. The two-time U.S. champion said her memories from that phase are surprisingly unclear, especially in the years that followed the COVID-19 disruption.
MORE: ‘Never Thought of Figure Skating in That Way’ – Alysa Liu Opens Up on New Perspective After Return
Asked how her mentality has changed, Liu explained that both competitions and her overall approach felt markedly different during her first stint. Rather than being fully grounded in the moment, she often found her mind elsewhere as she navigated uncertainty about her future in the sport.
“I guess I’m more present now. Last time, I was constantly daydreaming about quitting and what life would be like if I wasn’t an athlete,” Liu added.
In the same conversation, the California-born skater also reflected on the reaction she received when she initially stepped away. She revealed that her friends were genuinely happy and excited, largely because it meant she could finally be home more after years of traveling and living away, allowing her to spend time with the people she had missed most.
