Liu pauses 2026-27 season, targets 2027-28 return

Liu will sit out the 2026-27 figure skating season to recalibrate and develop her artistry, with plans to return for the 2027-28 season and continue training during the break. The decision emphasizes personal growth rather than a full retirement. She won two Olympic gold medals at the Milan Cortina Games and became the first American woman to win Olympic singles gold since 2002. Liu will continue working with Bay Area coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali to improve spins, jumps, and artistry. The move follows a career marked by burnout and multiple retirements and comebacks, and she intends to balance rest with targeted training before her comeback. She says she will miss some international competitions during the break but aims to return stronger for 2027-28.