The proposal was unlike anything previously seen in figure skating history. Milčinský officially invited Liu to return and compete in the World Championships, offering full financial coverage not only for her but also for her entire support system, including family, coaching staff, and medical team.
The announcement quickly escalated when Milčinský revealed a staggering financial incentive. A guaranteed $500,000 bonus would be awarded if Liu simply appeared and performed. If she managed to secure a medal, that figure would double to $1 million—making it the largest single-athlete reward ever tied to the ISU World Championships.
