Alysa Liu Withdraws from World Championships
Alysa Liu has unexpectedly withdrawn from the World Championships, set to begin on March 24, 2026, in Prague, despite being the reigning world champion and Olympic gold medalist. This decision has sent ripples through the figure skating community, as Liu has been a prominent figure in the sport.
In her absence, Sarah Everhardt will replace Liu at the championships. The news comes as a surprise, especially considering Liu’s recent successes, including her historic win at the World Figure Skating Championships in 2024, where she became the first American woman to achieve this feat since 2006. Prior to that, she made headlines by winning Olympic gold in 2022, becoming the first American woman to do so in women’s individual figure skating since 2002.
Bradie Tennell, who was the first alternate to step in for Liu, opted not to participate, further complicating the situation for the U.S. team. “I just wanted to jump on here to address a couple things I see circulating since the Worlds announcement,” Tennell stated, emphasizing her decision to prioritize her own well-being. Liu’s decision to withdraw has raised questions about her current state, especially after she entered temporary retirement following the 2022 Olympics due to trauma.
Liu’s journey in figure skating has been remarkable; she became the youngest woman ever to win the U.S. championship at age 13. Her rise to fame has been accompanied by a significant increase in her social media following, growing from 300,000 before the Olympics to over 7.4 million currently. This surge reflects her impact on the sport and her fanbase.
Despite her achievements, Liu has faced challenges, as noted by her father, Arthur Liu, who remarked, “She became really unhappy.” This context adds depth to her decision to withdraw from the World Championships, though the specific reasons for her sudden exit remain unclear. Details remain unconfirmed.
As the figure skating world prepares for the championships, observers are left to wonder about the implications of Liu’s absence. Her performance was highly anticipated, and her withdrawal opens the door for other competitors to shine. The event will proceed with Everhardt stepping into the spotlight, but the absence of Liu, a key figure in the sport, will undoubtedly be felt.
With the World Championships just around the corner, the focus will now shift to how the U.S. team adapts to this change and whether Liu will return to competitive skating in the future. The figure skating community watches closely, hoping for clarity on Liu’s situation and her potential comeback.
