"Don't. It does not work. The kid knows himself pretty well, and it's just never good to force anything. While Liu's advice is specifically for parents, it generalizes well to anyone struggling with their career: Just as she believes parents who have kids in sports shouldn't force them to compete if they don't want to-she's also proven that she believes that the individual themselves shouldn't feel compelled to keep competing if they don't want to, and that breaks are not just welcome, but needed."
"I was going to concerts, which I never could have done before. I also got my driver's license. I did a whole year at college. I went on vacation for the first time. I went skiing. I went snowboarding. I got to do so many different things that I never would have done had I stayed in the sport."
Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old U.S. figure skating champion who won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, advocates against forcing children to continue playing sports when they want to quit. Liu quit skating at 16 to reclaim her freedom and enjoy typical teenage experiences like attending concerts, obtaining her driver's license, attending college, and traveling. During her break, she pursued activities she never could have done while competing. Liu emphasizes that children understand themselves well and forcing them to continue sports does not work. Her experience demonstrates that breaks from competition are not just acceptable but necessary, and that stepping away can ultimately lead to renewed passion and achievement in one's chosen field.
Read at Fast Company
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