Olympic champion Alysa Liu has withdrawn from the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships, scheduled from March 24–29 in Prague, just weeks after her remarkable success at the Winter Olympics.
The 20-year-old American was expected to lead the U.S. women’s team but decided to skip the tournament as part of a planned break following the intense Olympic season.
Replacement announced for Team USA
With Liu stepping aside, young American skater Sarah Everhardt has been called up to replace her in the U.S. lineup. Everhardt will now compete alongside Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito at the world championships in Prague’s O2 Arena.
A season filled with historic achievements
Liu’s withdrawal comes after one of the most remarkable seasons in recent figure skating history. She captured the Olympic women’s singles gold medal at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the event since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
The American star also helped the United States secure gold in the Olympic team event, giving her two gold medals from the Games.
Her achievements follow another major milestone last year, when Liu won the 2025 World Championship in Boston, becoming the first U.S. woman to claim the world title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
A remarkable comeback story
Liu’s success is even more extraordinary considering her earlier retirement. She stepped away from competitive skating after the 2022 Winter Olympics, citing burnout, before returning two years later with a refreshed mindset. Her comeback culminated in world and Olympic titles, turning her into one of the sport’s most inspiring figures.
Skipping the World Championships is not unusual for Olympic champions, as many athletes choose to begin their off-season early after the demanding Olympic schedule.
With Liu absent, the Prague championships will still feature a strong U.S. contingent—but the spotlight will undoubtedly miss the Olympic champion who recently ruled the ice.
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