Alysa Liu Withdraws from World Championships
Alysa Liu has officially withdrawn from the World Championships set to begin on March 24, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. This decision comes as a surprise, given that Liu is the reigning world champion and an Olympic gold medalist, marking a significant shift in the competition landscape.
In Liu’s absence, Sarah Everhardt will step in as her replacement. Everhardt’s participation is particularly noteworthy as she will now have the opportunity to compete at a high level, while Bradie Tennell, who was the first alternate to replace Liu, opted not to participate.
Alysa Liu’s journey in figure skating has been remarkable. She became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in women’s individual figure skating since 2002, and her victory at the World Figure Skating Championships in 2024 made her the first American female skater to achieve that title since 2006. At just 13 years old, Liu made history by becoming the youngest woman ever to win the U.S. championship.
However, Liu’s career has not been without its challenges. She entered a temporary retirement shortly after her first Olympic appearance in 2022 due to trauma and mental health issues. Her father, Arthur Liu, revealed that she faced significant struggles, stating, “She became really unhappy… She was traumatized. She was suffering from PTSD, and she wouldn’t go near the ice rink.” This context adds depth to her decision to withdraw from the upcoming championships.
Despite her struggles, Liu has expressed a sense of empowerment in her choices. In a previous statement, she mentioned, “I just am glad that I listen to myself and just do whatever, because it just works out in the end.” This sentiment reflects her commitment to prioritizing her well-being, even at the cost of her competitive career.
As the World Championships approach, observers will be keen to see how Everhardt performs in Liu’s stead and how the competition unfolds without the reigning champion. The figure skating community continues to rally around Liu, acknowledging her contributions to the sport and supporting her journey toward healing.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific reasons behind Liu’s withdrawal, but her decision underscores the importance of mental health in sports and the need for athletes to prioritize their well-being.