Frank Michael Smith@frankmikesmith
This is exactly why you don't force kids into sports.
Alysa Liu's entire life was dedicated to skating.
Not by choice, but because her father demanded it.
She won the US Championship at 13, but announced her retirement at 16.
She threw her skates in the closet and decided to experience the world.
She hiked to Everest base camp, got her driver's license and studied at UCLA.
After a ski trip in 2024, she had the itch to lace them up again and nailed a double axel.
She announced her comeback, but only on her terms.
She wouldn't allow her father (or anyone) to tell her what to eat, when to train or how to dress.
The result was athletic and creative liberation.
Despite the hiatus, Alysa entered Milan as the favorite to win gold and delivered on the hype.