U.S. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu said she is interested in trying a different sport to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics [1].
This potential transition marks a significant shift for the athlete, who is exploring ways to extend her Olympic career beyond figure skating. The move comes as she evaluates her future in competitive sports following her experience with the 2026 Olympics.
Liu said her aspirations during the 2026 ESPY Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California [1]. She said the event inspired her to seek a new athletic challenge. While she did not specify which sport she intends to pursue, her goal is to secure a spot in the 2028 Games [1].
Reports regarding Liu's current athletic status vary. While she expressed interest in a sport switch at the ESPYs, other reports indicate she has stepped away from figure skating to focus on her personal life [2]. These accounts do not confirm a specific plan to switch to another competitive discipline, creating a contrast with her comments to Entertainment Tonight [1, 2].
Liu has not yet announced a formal departure from her previous training regimen or a commitment to a new sport. Her comments suggest a period of exploration rather than a finalized career change. The 2028 Olympics will return to the U.S., providing a home-game advantage for athletes looking to transition into new events [1].
“Alysa Liu said she is interested in trying a different sport to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
Liu's interest in a sport switch highlights the precarious nature of athlete longevity in high-impact sports like figure skating. If she successfully transitions, it would be a rare feat for an Olympian to qualify in a completely different discipline within a single four-year cycle, especially given the rigorous qualification standards for the 2028 Games.
