Alysa Liu’s Mental Fortitude Is Both Inspiring and Unsettling—Here’s Why
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics have been a rollercoaster for Team USA’s figure skating squad, but one skater stands out not just for her talent, but for her astonishing mental resilience. Alysa Liu, the reigning World Champion, seems to be skating without a care in the world—and it’s both awe-inspiring and, frankly, a little baffling. But here’s where it gets controversial: in a sport notorious for its pressure and perfectionism, is Liu’s carefree attitude a revolutionary approach or a recipe for missed opportunities? Let’s dive in.
The U.S. team kicked off the Games with a gold in the team event, but since then, they’ve struggled to live up to expectations. Madison Chock and Evan Bates narrowly missed gold in ice dance, and Ilia Malinin, the so-called “Quad God,” crashed to eighth place in men’s singles. And this is the part most people miss: the women’s event was supposed to be Team USA’s redemption, with the Blade Angels poised to end a 20-year medal drought. But after the short program, only Liu remains in contention for gold.
Meanwhile, the Japanese women are dominating the leaderboard, with three skaters in the top four. Could Japan pull off an unprecedented sweep of the podium? It’s a historic possibility, but there’s a wildcard in the mix: Adeliya Petrosian, an 18-year-old Russian competing as an “Individual Neutral Athlete.” Petrosian’s ties to controversial coach Eteri Tutberidze—central to the Kamila Valieva doping scandal—have raised eyebrows. Yet, she delivered a strong short program, landing in fifth place. Is it fair for her to compete under these circumstances? The debate is fierce.
Petrosian’s performance was technically impressive but artistically underwhelming, with choreography that felt juvenile at times. In contrast, 17-year-old Ami Nakai of Japan stole the show with a joyful, youthful performance that earned her a personal best score of 78.71. But here’s the twist: Liu, skating without a triple axel in her program, delivered a performance so artistically captivating that it left viewers breathless. Her ability to blend stillness with power is unparalleled, yet she trails Nakai by just 2.12 points.
Liu’s mental approach is what truly sets her apart. While other skaters crumble under pressure, she skates as if it’s just another day on the ice. After her short program, she admitted, “I wish it were longer.” Is this the future of figure skating—prioritizing mental health over medals? Or is there something to be said for the relentless drive of skaters like Malinin, who push their bodies to the limit?
As we head into the free skate, the question remains: can Liu’s carefree mindset secure her a medal and end Team USA’s drought? Or will the pressure of the Olympics finally catch up to her? What do you think? Is Liu’s approach a game-changer, or is there value in the traditional pursuit of perfection? Let’s discuss in the comments.
