'Now I want to be here': Alysa Liu thrives for the US at the Olympics with a new outlook on life

Alysa Liu helps US take lead in Olympic figure skating team competition

MILAN — Alysa Liu brushed her bangs out of her eyes. She glanced down, blinked hard and collected herself. For a program as personal as this, she deserved a moment to herself before saluting the crowd at Milano Ice Skating Arena.

Who Is Alysa Liu? 5 Things About the 2026 Olympic Figure Skater

At the age of only 16, Alysa Liu was already being called the 'Simone Biles of figure skating.' Find out all about the fierce phenom competing in the 2026 Olympics.

Here Is Why Everyone Is Talking About Alysa Liu's Hair at the Olympics

Figure skater Alysa Liu made headlines at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, but it was because of her hairstyle rather than her athletic skills.

Alysa Liu shines in return at 2026 Olympics after brief figure skating retirement

Liu, who became the youngest U.S. champion figure skater at age 13, then retired three years later after the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, put on a standout performance in her return to the sport's biggest stage on Friday, finishing in second-place of the women's singles short program qualifier with a score of 74.90, behind Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (78.88).

Alysa Liu competes at her second Olympic Games with joy

Alysa Liu skated to 2nd place in the Olympic figure skating team event for Team USA on Friday. With distinctive style, and an air of unconcern, her personality shines through at her second Olympic Games.

'Now I want to be here': Alysa Liu thrives for the US at the Olympics with a new outlook on life

Alysa Liu is back at the Olympics and thriving on her own terms. The American went to the COVID-hit Beijing Olympics four years ago as a 16-year-old who hated how skating had taken over her life.