Key Highlights
- Alysa Liu returns to Olympic competition with conditions of her own making.
- Massimo Scali, her choreographer and coach, plays a crucial role in her performance.
- Liu’s story is one of breaking free from the sport’s constraints and achieving autonomy on the ice.
- The pair has developed a unique relationship based on shared values and understanding.
Alysa Liu: A Second Chance at Glory
At 20, Alysa Liu is skating with a purpose that goes beyond the gold medal. Her journey back to the Olympics after retiring young has been anything but conventional. Liu, known for her rebellious spirit and unique style, returns under terms she sets—dancing to her own music, wearing what she wants, and taking breaks when she needs them.
Massimo Scali: The Artistic Mind
Massimo Scali, her longtime choreographer, is the mastermind behind Liu’s return. A former ice dancer himself, Scali understands the balance between discipline and creativity. His approach allows Liu to express herself fully, making her performances a reflection of her artistic soul.
From Retirement to Redemption
In 2016, at just 16, Liu retired from competitive figure skating, disillusioned with the pressures of the sport. Four years later, she decided to return under different terms. This time, she wanted to skate as herself—unencumbered by traditional expectations.
A Shared Vision
“There’s no way to describe how much he’s done for me,” Liu said of Scali. “Something so special about him is that he’s actively always trying to understand and learn about who I am.” Scali, 46, believes in the autonomy of his skaters, seeing them as individuals first.
A Unique Partnership
Scali’s path to becoming a sought-after choreographer began almost accidentally. Growing up in Rome, he discovered ice skating by chance and eventually found himself competing at the highest levels. His experience, combined with a rebellious spirit, makes him uniquely suited to coach Liu.
The Olympic Hope
With the women’s free skate just hours away, Liu is in third place, poised for greatness. If she succeeds, she will become the first U.S. woman to medal in individual figure skating since 2006. For Liu and Scali, this isn’t just about winning; it’s about living their best lives on and off the ice.
“Helping people reach the best version of themselves in this sport is something truly special,” said Scali. “I believe champions are not only the ones who win medals.”