Alysa Liu made headlines this week by winning the World Figure Skating Championships, marking a remarkable comeback to the competitive scene after a year away. The 19-year-old is now the first American woman to achieve this title in nearly two decades. The last time an American woman held the crown was Kimmie Meissner in 2006, the very year Liu was born.
Performing an energetic disco-themed routine to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” Liu dazzled the audience at Boston’s TD Garden, leading her to the top spot. Kaori Sakamoto, a favorite going into the competition and a three-time world champion, managed to snag the silver medal, while her fellow Japanese teammate Mone Chiba took home the bronze.
In an interview with NBC Sports, Liu expressed her disbelief, saying, “I’m not going to lie, this is an insane story. I don’t know how I came back to be world champion.”
Liu had stepped back from skating three years prior, following her appearance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics where she finished sixth. She later made the decision to return to the sport in March 2024. Although her return began slowly, she gained momentum throughout the season, culminating in her big win in Boston.
In her free skate routine, Liu showcased her skill by landing seven clean triple jumps, earning a combined score of 222.97 points. She previously became known for attempting the challenging triple Axel, a feat not attempted by any other competitors in this event. Her teammate Amber Glenn finished fifth, while Isabeau Levito, another American skater, placed fourth, securing three spots for Team USA at the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.
With this victory, Liu joins an exclusive group of American women who have won the world title, including legends like Peggy Fleming, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Michelle Kwan.
The championships will conclude with the ice dance and men’s finals, where American contenders Madison Chock, Evan Bates, and Ilia Malinin aim to continue Team USA’s strong performance after Liu’s triumph. In the pairs competition, Japan’s Riuchi and Kihara claimed gold earlier in the event.
Amidst the excitement, Liu remains a shining example of perseverance in the world of sports.
