Alysa Liu’s triumphant return to the Olympics captivated fans across the nation, but a recent interview with Rolling Stone revealed a more complex reaction from her father, Arthur Liu. In the interview shared on Saturday, March 7, the 20-year-old figure skating star opened up about her father’s unexpected happiness when she decided to come back to competitive skating.
In her candid discussion, Alysa expressed her mixed emotions about her father’s reaction, stating, “I was almost mad that he was happy, because I was like, ‘How dare you?’” She explained that her frustration stemmed from her father’s previous disapproval when she initially stepped away from the sport.
Addressing the misconception that she had “fired” her dad, Alysa clarified that he was never actively involved in her skating journey despite the significant financial investment he made in her career. Arthur had once disclosed that he spent between $500,000 and $1 million on Alysa’s training and competitive endeavors.
After a period of burnout following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Alysa announced her retirement on Instagram, a decision that caught many by surprise. Despite facing backlash for not informing people personally, Alysa stood by her choice to step away from the sport.
However, her unexpected return to skating led to a historic comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Alysa secured two gold medals and became the first American woman to win Olympic singles gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002. The young athlete was overwhelmed by her success, unable to fully grasp the magnitude of her achievements.
Alysa Liu’s resilience and determination have solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the figure skating world. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for the sport and her ability to overcome challenges with grace and skill.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.