Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu is taking the season off from figure skating

After a whirlwind in the aftermath of her spectacular Olympic gold-medal run, Alysa Liu isn't ready to get back to the grind.

Liu announced Tuesday that she's taking the 2026-27 season off from figure skating. The 21-year-old, who dazzled en route to team and individual gold at the Milano-Cortina Games in February, announced her plan on Instagram.

"To my supporters, While people are announcing programs, imma take this time to announce that I will not be competing this season. I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry & skating can evolve. It's important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth. I'm gonna take the time to recalibrate, fine-tune things & whatnot."

While people are announcing programs, imma take this time to announce that I will not be competing this season. I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry & skating can evolve. It's important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth. I'm gonna take the time to recalibrate, fine-tune things & whatnot."

This marks Liu's second notable break from figure skating. She retired at 16 years old after finishing seventh at the 2022 Olympics, only to return to the sport in time for her gold-medal run this year.

But don't worry, Liu fans. She vowed Tuesday that she'll be back.

"So fear not, I'll be back, & in the meantime I'll be rooting for my teammates near & far," she wrote. "See yall soon!!"

Liu became the first U.S. woman to win individual figure skating gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

Her victory, along with her fearless, carefree approach and unmistakable style, made her a global sensation, and she has been in high demand since. Her plate has been full away from the ice.

Liu did not skate in the World Championships in March, which took place just two months after the conclusion of the Olympics. She did skate this spring in the considerably more laid-back Stars on Ice exhibition Ice tour. And it wasn't clear until Tuesday that she intended to take next season off from the sport.

In fact, Liu told USA Today in May : "I really want to compete next season."

In the end, Liu decided that a break is what's best. On the heels of a grueling Olympics season, with all the opportunity in the world to do what she wants at 21 years old, who can blame her?