Olympic champion Liu sits out upcoming figure skating season

Liu, the American who captured gold in both the women's individual and team events at the Milan-Cortina Games earlier this year, announced on social media that she will not compete in the 2026‑27 season.

She wrote, "While people are announcing programmes, imma take this time to announce that I will not be competing this season," adding that she wants her sport to reflect her personal growth. The decision marks another pause in a career that has already seen an early retirement, a comeback, and a world‑championship title in Boston before the Olympic triumphs.

Career milestones and past breaks

First spotted as a child prodigy, Liu became the youngest U.S. champion at 13. She stepped away from competition in 2022 at age 16, citing burnout from elite pressure. Two years later she returned, winning the world title in Boston and then delivering a double gold performance in Milan‑Cortina.

"I'm gonna take the time to recalibrate, fine‑tune things & whatnot," she said.

What lies ahead

Liu says the hiatus is about fine‑tuning her artistry and skating technique. She promises to return, and in the meantime will support her teammates domestically and abroad. Her absence will open a spot on the U.S. team, potentially reshaping the line‑up for upcoming Grand Prix events and the next World Championships.

Fans and sponsors will be watching closely to see how her next chapter unfolds, and whether her focus on personal growth influences other athletes to take similar breaks.