Liu’s path from early retirement back to international gold medals was structured around deliberate, phased physical progressions rather than hasty preparation.
| Phase & Date | Physical Focus & Milestones | Competitive Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement & Recovery(April 2022, late 2023) | Restoration of metabolic health, collegiate studies, general non-skating strength work. | Total break from ISU judging stress and mandatory weight monitoring. |
| Re-Conditioning Phase(Early 2024, Summer 2024) | Rebuilding posterior chain strength, plyometrics, restoring clean triple-jump consistency. | Official announcement of competitive return; rejoining U.S. testing protocols. |
| Grand Prix & Olympic Qualifiers(Fall 2024, Late 2025) | Peak aerobic conditioning, anaerobic intervals, routine adjustments, edge-speed gains. | Medal finishes across international Challenger series and national championships. |
| Peak Competitive Form(Early 2026) | Maximal explosive power combined with polished artistic expression; full stamina. | Gold-medal Olympic level performances, closing gala showcases, international recognition. |
