Olympic champion Alysa Liu has withdrawn from the World Figure Skating Championships, the 20-year-old announced Sunday.
Liu, the first American woman since 2002 to win Olympic gold in women's singles, stated on Instagram that she is taking time for personal matters following her return from the recent Games. The championships are scheduled in Prague from March 24-29.
Liu had been expected to defend her world title, having won the 2025 championship in Boston. She also helped the U.S. team secure gold in the Olympic team event.
Sarah Everhardt will replace Liu on the American team. Liu joins other high-profile skaters, including Japan's Olympic pairs champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi, in skipping the event.