"That break was truly significant," Arthur Liu said of his daughter's two years away from skating before she returned to win two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. "She had the opportunity to experience life and things a normal teenager goes through. That was very good for her mental health."

An old photo of Alysa Liu with her father, Arthur Liu. Photo: Instagram/alysaxliu

Arthur is a lawyer living in Oakland, California. These days, he is also adjusting to the new reality of his daughter becoming a star. Not only is Alysa Liu recognized at airports, supermarkets, or restaurants, but he has also begun encountering similar situations. "People even recognize me. Even a few judges in court congratulated me," he told the San Francisco Chronicle.

The most recent incident occurred during a court session in Walnut Creek. A translator looked at him and suddenly exclaimed, "You're Alysa Liu's father!"

Three weeks after her victory at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, Alysa Liu's life changed rapidly. From the ice rink in Italy, she returned to California for a few days before beginning a packed schedule of media activities in Boston and New York. She appeared on the morning television program Today Show, shot a cover for Teen Vogue, and met many celebrities, including actor Daniel Radcliffe.

But for Arthur Liu, his primary concern was his daughter's need for rest. "As a father, I always pay close attention to my children getting enough sleep," he said. "I heard that after competing, she barely slept for a while. She should enjoy her victory, then regain balance. But first, oh my, get a proper night's sleep."

Alysa was once an American figure skating prodigy, winning a national championship at just 13 years old. However, after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she unexpectedly retired at age 16 due to sustained pressure.

During her two years away from the ice, Liu experienced a normal teenage life, attending school with friends, skiing, and getting her driver's license. For Arthur, that time helped his daughter rediscover her initial joy for the sport that had once exhausted her.

Artists from the Illuminaries group painted a mural honoring Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, California, USA on 28/2. Photo: S.F. Chronicle

Liu's return in 2024 also marked a significant change in the father-daughter relationship. Previously, Arthur Liu was deeply involved in her career, selecting coaches, arranging training schedules, and closely monitoring her training process. For many years, he almost served as his daughter's unofficial manager.

That involvement often strained the father-daughter relationship. Liu once admitted that skating at the time felt "almost like dad's job." Pressure accumulated over time, until she decided to stop after the 2022 Olympics.

Later, Liu frankly stated that her feelings toward her father were complex. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, the Olympic champion revealed she was once upset to see her father happy about her decision to return to competition. This was because he had previously opposed her retirement.

That disagreement led Liu to set new boundaries upon her return to the ice. She wanted to control her career herself. Arthur Liu consequently stepped back, transitioning from a direct decision-maker to a spectator in the stands. He accepted this change. "She has a free spirit like me," he once said.

Three weeks after Alysa Liu's victory, Oakland hosted a ceremony honoring her at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Liu participated only as a spectator, sitting in the audience as his daughter was honored on stage. However, at one point, the host introduced and honored him, to applause from thousands in attendance. "Mr. Liu was lauded like the main character of the ceremony, not Alysa," the American newspaper Athletic wrote.

"I'm still overjoyed," he said. "Oakland is our hometown. It's wonderful to celebrate with everyone who has supported and loved her, sharing this joy with everyone at home."

Hoang An (according to Athletic, SFChronicle)