In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, 2026 Winter Olympics champion Alysa Liu detailed her intense training period from a young age. The 20-year-old athlete described a "crazy" training environment that tightly monitored many factors, including water intake.

According to Liu, coaches warned her about water weight, even advising her not to drink but only to rinse her mouth. "That was crazy and unbelievable," she said.

Liu also felt excessive control during periods of high pressure. However, she did not name any specific individuals or coaches in her statement.

Coach Lipetsky (left) and Alysa Liu in 2019 when she was 14 years old. *Photo: Issuu*

Liu began training with coach Laura Lipetsky at age 5 and stayed with her until age 14, before moving to a different coaching team in 2020. She retired after the 2022 Winter Olympics at age 16, citing exhaustion and prolonged pressure. Liu later returned to win a gold medal at the 2026 Olympics.

Although not named in Liu's statement, Lipetsky proactively responded on social media. The coach affirmed she never prevented her student from drinking water or addressing basic physical needs. "There have been rumors that I did not let Alysa drink water during practice," she wrote. "This is completely untrue. Athlete health and safety are always my top priority. Alysa was never prevented from drinking water."

Lipetsky also stated that elite training demands discipline, structure, and mutual trust, but "never means depriving basic needs like drinking water." She shared her pride in working with Liu and wished her former student continued success. The coach urged fans to support athletes and the sport rather than spreading unverified information.

However, the online community's reaction was not entirely positive. On figure skating forums, many commented that Lipetsky did not need to speak out since the interview did not directly name her. Some users questioned the coach's motives, suggesting that responding might inadvertently draw more public attention to the allegations. "If Alysa didn't name her, why would she think she was talking about her?", Little Things magazine quoted a Reddit comment.

Other opinions suggested Lipetsky's statement focused heavily on protecting her personal reputation, rather than addressing athlete welfare and health issues, as Liu had implied. Additionally, there was debate about the period Alysa Liu left the sport. Some noted that the coach highlighted overall achievements but did not adequately address the pressure and exhaustion Liu experienced.

Faced with criticism, Lipetsky further explained that she had received many attacks based on speculation. She described Liu's training as occurring in a positive environment, with moderate training duration and ample time for recreation. "She was not forced. Alysa pushed herself and loved skating. I only helped keep that passion alive," Lipetsky wrote, while urging the public to understand the timeline correctly and stop personal attacks.

Alysa Liu, nicknamed "Ice Angel", became a phenomenon after winning a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks to her talent and natural, approachable personality. Liu's journey is unique because she once left skating due to pressure, then returned with a free spirit, prioritizing joy and health over achievement. This sincerity and distinctiveness quickly made her a beloved figure in America.

Hoang An (according to Little Things)