Alysa Liu's Training Comments Ignite Controversy in Figure Skating World
The world of competitive figure skating has been rocked by a surprising revelation from American Olympic champion Alysa Liu. In a recent interview, the 2026 Winter Games gold medalist recalled being advised against drinking water during practice sessions when she was younger, citing concerns about "water weight." This statement has triggered widespread debate among fans and experts about the pressures young athletes face in elite sports.
Former Coach Issues Strong Denial of Allegations
Laura Lipetsky, who coached Liu from age five until their partnership ended in 2020, has responded forcefully to the circulating claims. On March 13, Lipetsky took to social media to categorically deny ever restricting Liu's hydration during training sessions.
"There has been a rumor circulating that I did not allow Alysa to drink water during training. This is simply not true," Lipetsky wrote emphatically. "Athlete health and safety has always been a top priority in my coaching. At no time was Alysa ever prevented from having water or taking care of her physical needs."
Lipetsky acknowledged that high-level training requires discipline and structure but emphasized that fundamental needs like hydration were never compromised. "Training at a high level requires discipline, structure, and mutual trust between coach and athlete. But that has never meant denying something as basic and important as hydration," she explained.
Liu's Original Comments in Rolling Stone Interview
The controversy originated from Liu's March 7 interview with Rolling Stone, where she reflected on her early training experiences. "It was crazy," Liu recalled. "They were like, 'Oh, water weight. You shouldn't drink water. You should gargle it.' Crazy. It's insane."
These comments have reopened discussions about the intense physical and psychological demands placed on young figure skaters, particularly regarding body image and weight management in a sport where aesthetics often intersect with athletic performance.
A Supportive Training Environment Recalled
In her detailed response, Lipetsky painted a picture of a nurturing and balanced training relationship with Liu. She described their sessions as combining serious training with playful elements.
- Liu began training with Lipetsky at just five years old
- Their weekly schedule included four hours of training during weekdays
- Saturdays were limited to 45-minute sessions
- Sundays were reserved for independent practice or alternative rink time
- Lipetsky emphasized that Liu was self-motivated and never forced to skate
"We had a lot of fun together," Lipetsky wrote nostalgically. "We played games on the ice. I made sure she had time to play with her friends on the ice. We laughed a lot."
Liu's Remarkable Career Journey
The 22-year-old skater's career has been marked by dramatic turns:
- She began competitive figure skating as a young child under Lipetsky's guidance
- In April 2022, at just 16 years old, Liu stepped away from the sport
- She made a surprise comeback in March 2024 after two years away
- Her return culminated in a historic Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Games
Liu revealed that she kept her initial retirement decision secret to avoid pushback. "I didn't tell anybody because I knew that I was going to get some pushback," she told Rolling Stone. "So I kept it a secret and then I posted about it. That's how everybody found out."
Call for Support and Accurate Narratives
Lipetsky concluded her statement with an appeal for positivity and accurate representation of their coaching relationship. "I just kept her passion alive," she wrote. "So please stop the hate towards me and get the timelines right. Thank you."
The exchange highlights ongoing conversations about coaching practices in elite sports, particularly regarding young athletes' wellbeing. As Liu continues her celebrated career and Lipetsky maintains her coaching reputation, this incident serves as a reminder of how past training experiences can resurface and be interpreted through different lenses over time.
