Boston, MA: American figure skater Alysa Liu shocked the crowd at the World Figure Skating Championships by dethroning three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan. The event took place at Boston’s TD Garden Friday night, marking a historic moment for American figure skating. Liu’s victory not only secured her the title but also made her the first American woman to claim such a victory since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. The win signified Liu’s remarkable comeback after taking a break from the sport in 2022.
Liu’s return to the sport was a triumphant one, as she delivered two stunning performances that won over the judges and the audience. After her win, Liu expressed her emotions, stating, “It means so much to me and everything I’ve been through. My time away from the sport, my last skating experience, and now this comeback—I’m so happy, I guess. I’m mostly glad I could put out two of my best performances.”
Previously, Liu had been a rising star in figure skating, becoming the youngest U.S. champion at just 13 years old in 2019. She went on to defend her title the following year and even competed in the Beijing Olympics in 2022, where she finished sixth. However, feeling burnt out by the sport, Liu decided to take a step back and focus on being a regular college student. It wasn’t until she experienced the thrill of competition again on a ski trip that she began to consider a return to figure skating.
After announcing her comeback on social media early last year, Liu faced challenges on her journey back to the top. However, her determination and hard work paid off, leading her to a second-place finish at the U.S. Championships and ultimately securing her the gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships.
Looking ahead, Liu now has her sights set on making the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic team for the U.S. Her remarkable comeback story serves as an inspiration to many in the world of figure skating.