Alysa Liu reflects on staying single post-Olympic success
Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu has opened up about her decision to stay single, revealing she has no interest in pursuing romance following her triumphant performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, reports BritPanorama.
The 20-year-old American, who captured two gold medals at this year’s Olympics, shared her thoughts in an interview with Cosmopolitan, stating that friendships take priority over dating in her life.
“Oh my god, this is, like, the first time I’ve talked about this,” Liu noted, expressing that romantic interests are not on her radar now. “That’s a whole other thing that I’m not feeling right now.”
She elaborated, saying, “I have so much love in my life already, and I have so many amazing people, I just haven’t felt the need to look for more or look elsewhere.” Liu’s confidence in her relationship status stems from her self-assurance and high standards, which she is not willing to compromise.
Liu acknowledged the demanding nature of her competitive schedule, which leaves little room for romantic pursuits. “If I were to date someone, we’d each have to make tons of sacrifices. It’s just not worth it at this point to build something,” she explained.
Content with her single status, Liu suggested it may remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. “I think when it comes, it will. I love being single, I really do. I do see myself being single for a long time,” she added. “Especially right now, I choose friendships over relationships any day.”
Liu’s path to Olympic glory was marked by challenges. She began skating at five, encouraged by her father, Arthur. The rigorous demands of elite competition impacted her teenage years significantly, stating, “I skated every day when I was 13 and 14, so it was a very abnormal childhood,” as she later revealed in an interview. The isolation of training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado also weighed heavily on her.
“I would live at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, in a dorm by myself,” Liu recounted. “I went to the rink, skated, ate lunch there, skated some more. Went back to the dorm.” Ultimately, at 16, she retired from skating before making a comeback two years later with a newfound commitment to personal boundaries in her training.
The 2024 return captivated audiences, showcasing her vibrant energy and skill, which laid the groundwork for her Olympic achievements. This journey highlights the balance Liu strikes between her athletic career and personal life, allowing her to thrive in both realms.
As Liu continues to navigate her post-Olympic landscape, her reflections on relationships underscore a broader narrative about personal choice and ambition in the world of sports—evidence of how, for elite athletes, the pursuit of excellence often comes with profound personal sacrifices.
