Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu has advice for aspiring figure skaters: “Don

Milan, Italy — American figure skater Alysa Liu smiled as she recalled Thursday’s “over-the-top” crowd afterward. winning olympic gold in the women’s singles event, a first for Team USA since 2002.

“Just the energy in the arena. That’s why I skate,” Liu told “News Saturday Morning” co-host Kelly O’Grady in Milan, Italy, on Friday.

The 20-year-old skater said she doesn’t feel nervous when she slides on the ice; instead, he focuses on the joy that the sport brings him. to “protect [her] peace,” she surrounds herself with friends who keep her grounded. She says she has also learned to say no when necessary.

Liu recognizes that becoming an Olympic athlete requires a balance of hard work, dedication and a genuine love for the sport.

“I love to work hard and push myself to the limit, but to do that I need to rest,” Liu said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to prioritize recovery.

She made history as the youngest U.S. women’s champion at age 13 and then shocked the skating world by retire at 16 after her Olympic debut in Beijing 2022, where she placed sixth. But two years later, he wanted to get back on the ice.

“I wasn’t planning on competing again at this point,” he said. said “60 minutes”” in January. “Basically, I just wanted quick hits of dopamine.”

In June 2024, Liu returned to training full-time with coaches Massimo Scali and Phillip DiGuglielmo. Their comeback wasn’t about the hardware, it was about the journey.

“Wait [my story is] inspiring, and I hope it allows others… to advance further,” Liu said, adding that he also wants his program and personal style to be remembered.

For skaters aspiring to be “the next Alysa,” Liu has some advice: “Don’t try to be the next me.”

While he hopes to inspire other athletes to pursue their passions, he wants to remind everyone to be authentic.

“At the end of the day, take some time for yourself. Spend time alone. I think that really helped me,” she advised.

As for advice for his younger self, Liu said he wouldn’t say anything.

“She’ll figure it out herself. I don’t want to change anything,” Liu said.