Alysa Liu Makes History as First American Woman to Win World Figure Skating Championships in Nearly Two Decades
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In an astonishing feat, Alysa Liu has etched her name in the annals of figure skating history by becoming the first American woman in 19 years to clinch the prestigious World Figure Skating Championships title. The last time an American woman secured this honour was back in 2006 when Kimmie Meissner achieved the feat, while Liu was just a toddler. The 19-year-old Liu astounded spectators with a disco-infused routine choreographed to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” dazzling the audience with her spins and dance moves at Boston’s TD Garden. Japanese skater Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, was anticipated to dominate the competition but settled for the silver medal after a subpar short program. Her compatriot, Mone Chiba, claimed the bronze.
Expressing her disbelief at her triumph, Liu humbly remarked, “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 taken a hiatus from competitive skating following her participation in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she finished 6th, and the subsequent 2022 World Championships, where she secured third place. After announcing her return to the sport in March 2024, Liu steadily regained her form throughout the season, culminating in a glorious victory in Boston. She exhibited impeccable skill during her free skate, landing seven flawless triple jumps and amassing a total score of 222.97 points. Notably, Liu executed the challenging triple Axel, a jump attempted only by her teammate Amber Glenn, who finished fifth in the competition. Another American skater, Isabeau Levito, rounded off the top four positions, securing three spots for Team USA at the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.
By claiming the world title, Liu joins a distinguished lineage of American champions, including legends such as Tenley Albright, Carol Heiss, Peggy Fleming, and Michelle Kwan. The grand finale of the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships is set to feature the ice dance and men’s finals, with Madison Chock, Evan Bates, and Ilia Malinin aiming to uphold American dominance. Should they emerge victorious, Team USA will have triumphed in three out of the four skating categories in Boston. Meanwhile, Japan’s Riuchi and Kihara captured the gold medal in the pairs competition held on Friday.
As the curtains draw near on the championship, audiences are on the edge of their seats, anticipating more thrilling performances in the ice dance and men’s events. The exhilarating clash of talent and skill on the rink continues to captivate fans worldwide, with the skaters showcasing their artistry and athleticism in pursuit of glory.
In conclusion, Alysa Liu’s remarkable comeback and historic victory at the World Figure Skating Championships not only exemplify her resilience and determination but also signify a new chapter in American figure skating. Her triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes and underscores the enduring allure of the sport. With the championship’s finale looming, the stage is set for more awe-inspiring displays of talent, passion, and grit as the world’s finest skaters vie for supremacy in one of the most prestigious competitions in figure skating.