Alysa Liu opened up about her decision to withdraw from the upcoming World Championships while reflecting on why the event meant so much to her. The American figure skater shared that she had hoped to be part of the competition, not only because she enjoys competing but also because it could mark the final appearance for several fellow skaters.
While the announcement surprised many fans, Liu’s remarks offered a glimpse into her thoughts on the event and its emotional significance within the skating community.
Alysa Liu Shares Honest Reason Behind World Championships Withdrawal
After her memorable performance at the Winter Olympics, Alysa Liu continued to draw attention as one of the sport’s most exciting young stars. The American figure skater was expected to carry that momentum into the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Prague, where she had been scheduled to compete from March 24.
However, Liu announced that she would withdraw from the event, surprising many followers of the sport and prompting questions about the reason behind her decision. The Olympic gold medalist later addressed the matter during an appearance in Oakland, where she spoke openly about the factors that led to her choice and reflected on the circumstances surrounding her withdrawal.
Liu shared that the decision was not easy. The Olympic champion noted that the event holds special significance for many athletes in the skating community, as the competition could mark their final appearance on the world stage. The 20-year-old expressed that she had hoped to be part of the event and witness those moments, making the decision surrounding her participation even more emotional.
“Oh, worlds, I really want to do Worlds, not just because I like to compete, but also because so many people are going to do Worlds, and it is probably going to be a lot of their last competition. So, I just wanted to be there for a final goodbye and stuff like that,” Liu remarked.
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Moreover, Liu also explained that several responsibilities outside of competition made it difficult to fully prepare for the event. With limited time to train and multiple commitments overlapping with the championships, she ultimately felt stepping away was the right decision.
“But there are so many commitments that I have, and activities that are overlapping with Worlds, and then I also don’t have that much time for training, so I was like, I can’t be doing Worlds. I don’t think I would be able to put out my best performance. I got to show my programs on the biggest stage, so I feel satisfied with that,” she added.
The Olympic gold medalist also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from fans following her Olympic success, adding that she hopes her journey continues to inspire the next generation of skaters to pursue their dreams.
