Alyssa Liu, who made waves in the figure skating world by winning the U.S. Championships at just 13, shocked many when she retired at the age of 16 after achieving remarkable feats, including a sixth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Her retirement came after expressing a need to explore life beyond skating, having dedicated 11 years to the sport since the age of five. She enrolled at UCLA in Fall 2023, where she pursued psychology and enjoyed a more traditional college experience, including climbing Everest Base Camp, activities she had always wanted to do.

However, during a ski trip in winter break, Liu experienced a rush of adrenaline reminiscent of her skating days, leading her to consider a return to the ice. Unlike her previous commitment to skating, which was all-consuming, Liu plans to skate in a way that prioritizes enjoyment and personal expression, rather than pressure and results, as she transitions back into her role as a figure skating star. By Spring 2024, she reaffirmed her love for the sport and her commitment to doing it on her own terms.

In interviews following her comeback, Liu underscored the difference in her mindset, stating, "This time is different. I'm doing this because I want to, not because someone is telling me to." She made it clear that enjoys skating as part of her life rather than allowing it to dictate her life, advocating for autonomy over her training and dietary choices. Her coach, Philip DiGiulianmo, reflected on Liu's earlier struggles with happiness in her youth, emphasizing her journey towards self-empowerment and fulfillment within the sport.