Alysa Liu's Triumph: Five Years Later, Where is US Women's Figure Skating?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 3:31 GMT by Sporting News
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The Echo of Alysa Liu's Triumph: Five Years On, and the State of US Women's Figure Skating

Five years ago, on the ice at the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, a young skater named Alysa Liu etched her name into the history books. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest woman ever to win the U.S. title, a feat celebrated as a potential turning point for American women's figure skating. Yet, as time marches on, that victory increasingly feels like a poignant anomaly, a bright spark swallowed by a period of comparative darkness for Team USA on the international stage. While Liu's achievement should be a cornerstone of American skating's recent memory, it's often overshadowed by a frustrating pattern of near-misses and a lack of consistent global success.

Liu's win wasn't merely a symbolic victory; it represented a dazzling display of technical prowess coupled with artistic expression - a combination many believed could propel her to become a dominant force in the sport. Her performance hinted at a future where American women could once again consistently compete for, and win, major international medals. However, the path from national champion to global superstar is rarely straightforward, and for Liu, it proved to be fraught with challenges.

Beyond the individual pressures inherent in elite athletic competition, Liu faced intense public scrutiny at an exceptionally young age. The weight of expectation, combined with the demands of rigorous training, ultimately led her to step away from competitive skating to prioritize her education and explore other passions. While a perfectly valid choice, her departure left a noticeable void and underscored a broader systemic issue plaguing American women's figure skating: a struggle to cultivate and sustain consistent international excellence.

Since Liu's historic win in 2021, American women have failed to secure a medal at any major international championship - the World Championships or the Olympics. This isn't a recent phenomenon. For years, the United States has found itself trailing behind powerhouses like Russia (and its successor programs), China, and Japan. The question is, what factors have contributed to this prolonged slump, and what can be done to reignite the spark that Alysa Liu briefly ignited?

Several key elements appear to be at play. Firstly, the global landscape of figure skating has become dramatically more competitive. The depth of talent in nations like Russia, China, and Japan is astonishing, with multiple skaters capable of landing consistently difficult jumps and delivering compelling performances. This heightened competition raises the bar for everyone, requiring American skaters to not only master the basics but also push the boundaries of the sport to remain competitive.

Secondly, questions have been raised about the efficacy of the American coaching and training system. While there are undoubtedly many excellent coaches in the U.S., some argue that the overall approach hasn't kept pace with the innovative and intensely demanding programs being implemented in other countries. This includes areas like jump technique, choreography, and athletic conditioning. A critical evaluation of training methodologies, and a willingness to adapt best practices from around the world, may be necessary.

Finally, funding and resources represent a significant hurdle. American figure skaters often rely heavily on private sponsorship and fundraising to cover the substantial costs associated with training, travel, and competition. This can put them at a disadvantage compared to skaters from countries with more robust national programs and government support. Increased investment in grassroots development, as well as financial assistance for elite athletes, could level the playing field.

Alysa Liu's story isn't one of failure; it's a reminder of the immense potential that exists within American figure skating. Her victory served as a beacon of hope, and her decision to prioritize her personal well-being should be respected. However, her experience, and the subsequent struggles of American women on the international stage, demand a thorough examination of the factors hindering their success. Looking ahead, a renewed focus on developing a comprehensive and innovative training system, coupled with increased funding and support, is crucial to ensuring that the next generation of American skaters can not only reach their full potential but also once again compete with the best in the world. The echo of Alysa Liu's triumph should serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new era of American figure skating excellence.