Alysa Liu: Terrifyingly Healthy Mindset and a Joyful Comeback
#alysa_liu #mental_health #sports #figure_skating #resilience
Alysa Liu's Terrifyingly Healthy Mindset
Alysa Liu's mental fortitude in figure skating is nothing short of awe-inspiring. At just 16, she claimed U.S. national championships, yet post-2022 Olympics, burnout hit hard. She retired to reclaim normalcy—driving siblings to school, hiking Himalayas, skiing fresh powder, and enrolling at UCLA. This break wasn't defeat; it was rebirth. When Liu says she skates purely for joy now, it's utterly believable. Her sparkling mental health demands its own medal.[1][2]
From Burnout to Rediscovered Passion
Exhausted by relentless training and spotlight glare, Liu craved friends, family, and simple freedoms. Skiing's chill rush mirrored skating's thrill, reigniting her fire without pressure. Returning stronger, she trains with coaches like Phillip DiGuglielmo, blending art, dance, and music into routines. No longer chasing expectations, she competes for self-expression, proving breaks build unbreakable resilience.[2][3]
A Model for Athletic Mental Health
Liu's journey redefines success in elite sports. By prioritizing self-discovery over medals, she challenges age norms and highlights teen sacrifices' toll. Her comeback as world champion shows sustainable motivation trumps grind. Aspiring athletes, take note: true strength blooms from rest and joy.[1][3]
About the Organizations Mentioned
UCLA
## Overview The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is an internationally renowned public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California[1][2]. As the #1 ranked public university in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report, UCLA is celebrated for its academic excellence, research output, and vibrant campus life[3]. With over 32,000 undergraduate students and more than 14,000 graduate and professional students, it is one of the largest and most competitive universities in the country[2][5]. ## History UCLA traces its origins to 1881 as the southern branch of the California State Normal School, which later evolved into San José State University[2]. In 1919, it was transferred to the University of California system and became the Southern Branch of the University of California, making it the second-oldest campus in the UC system after Berkeley[1][2]. The university officially adopted the UCLA name in 1927, and its 419-acre campus has since grown into a global academic powerhouse[1][3]. ## Academic and Research Profile UCLA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs—337 undergraduate and graduate degrees—across disciplines such as engineering, business, arts, life sciences, social sciences, and health sciences[2][3]. The university is organized into the College of Letters and Science and twelve professional schools, including highly ranked programs in film, television, digital media (proximity to Hollywood is a notable advantage), engineering, and psychology[2][4]. UCLA is classified as an R1 doctoral university with “very high research activity,” reporting $1.72 billion in research expenditures in 2024 and ranking 7th nationally in research funding[2]. Its faculty and students are consistently recognized for groundbreaking research and innovation, including recent Nobel Prize wins[8]. ## Campus and Student Life UCLA’s campus is known for its picturesque setting, historic architecture, and
