In 2019, Jack Hughes was the fresh-faced number one overall pick for the New Jersey Devils, and Alysa Liu was a 13-year-old figure skating prodigy. At that time, ESPN asked both athletes to write letters to their retired selves, projecting what they hoped to achieve in the years to come. Fast forward to the 2026 Winter Olympics, and those dreams have transitioned from ink on paper to gold around their necks. The journey of Jack Hughes and Alysa Liu has come full circle, cementing their status as legends in their respective sports.
The 2019 Letters: A Glimpse into the Future
Back in 2019, the sports world looked very different. Jack Hughes had just been selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils, carrying the weight of a franchise on his shoulders. Alysa Liu had recently become the youngest woman to win a U.S. figure skating title. During a joint photo shoot, they were asked to participate in a "Dear Future Me" project, writing letters to the versions of themselves that would eventually retire from professional competition.
In those letters, the ambition was palpable. While the specific contents were personal reflections of two teenagers on the cusp of stardom, the overarching theme was clear: they wanted to be the best in the world. For Hughes, that meant establishing himself as a premier talent in the NHL and representing Team USA on the international stage. For Liu, it was about navigating the immense pressure of being a teenage sensation while maintaining her love for the ice.
Jack Hughes: From First Overall Pick to Olympic Champion
The road to Olympic gold for Jack Hughes was not a straight line. After being drafted by the New Jersey Devils, Hughes had to adapt to the physicality and speed of the NHL. He grew from a slender teenager into one of the most dynamic centers in the league, leading a resurgence in Newark. However, the one thing missing from his resume was international glory at the highest level.
With the NHL returning to the Winter Olympics in 2026, Hughes finally got his chance to lead the United States. Playing alongside some of the greatest talents in the world, Hughes was a catalyst for the American offense. His vision, skating, and playmaking ability were on full display throughout the tournament. When the final whistle blew in the gold medal game, Hughes hadn't just fulfilled his potential as an NHL superstar; he had secured the ultimate prize for his country.
- Drafted: 1st Overall, 2019 NHL Entry Draft
- NHL Team: New Jersey Devils
- Olympic Achievement: Gold Medal, 2026 Winter Olympics
Alysa Liu’s Remarkable Path to the Podium
If Hughes' path was one of steady progression, Alysa Liu’s was one of incredible resilience. After her meteoric rise in 2019, Liu faced the intense scrutiny that comes with being the face of American figure skating. She competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics but shocked the world by announcing her retirement shortly after at the age of 16, citing a desire to experience life outside the rink.
However, the competitive fire never truly went out. Liu made a highly publicized comeback in 2024, rediscover her passion for the sport and her technical dominance. Her journey culminated in 2026, where she delivered a performance for the ages. Winning gold wasn't just about the technical scores; it was a testament to her maturity and her ability to redefine success on her own terms. Much like Hughes, she looked back at her 2019 letter not as a child with a dream, but as a champion who had lived it.
A Legacy Defined by Resilience and Vision
The intersection of these two athletes' stories serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication required to stay at the top of the sporting world for nearly a decade. In 2019, they were the "next big things" in hockey and figure skating. In 2026, they are the standard-bearers for American winter sports.
For fans of the New Jersey Devils and U.S. Figure Skating, the 2026 Games provided a moment of pure catharsis. Jack Hughes and Alysa Liu proved that while the letters they wrote as teenagers were ambitious, they weren't just fantasies. They were blueprints for greatness. As they look toward the later stages of their careers, those letters to their "retired selves" will eventually be read with the satisfaction of knowing that every goal was met and every sacrifice was worth the gold.
Sources & Original Reporting
