Olympic Champion Alysa Liu Withdraws from World Championships

U.S. Olympic champion Alysa Liu has decided to withdraw from the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships, as she revealed on social media. The 20-year-old champion became the first American woman since 2002 to win Olympic gold in women's singles during the Milano Cortina Games.

Liu shared her decision on Instagram, expressing that she needed time to focus on new opportunities since returning from Milan. Despite her successful comeback in 2025, where she claimed the world title, Liu has chosen to step back momentarily, with Sarah Everhardt set to replace her for the Prague event scheduled for March 24-29.

Liu's withdrawal sees her join the ranks of high-profile skaters missing from the championships, including Japan's Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi. Liu also played a crucial role in helping the U.S. secure gold in the Olympic team event, highlighting her impactful career thus far.