Alysa Liu has made history by becoming the first U.S. woman in nearly two decades to clinch the world title in women’s singles figure skating at the Figure Skating World Championships in Boston. At just 19 years old, Liu topped the competition with the highest scores in both the short program and free skate, culminating in a total of 222.97 points. She outpaced three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan by a notable margin of 4.99 points, while Japan’s Mone Chiba took the bronze. Reflecting on her incredible journey, Liu remarked to NBC Sports, “I’m not going to lie, this is an insane story. I don’t know how I came back to be world champion.”
U.S. Women’s Historic Performance at Worlds
This year’s championships also saw stellar performances from U.S. skaters Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively. This marked the first time since 2001 that three American women ranked in the top five at the world championships. Their achievements hint at a strong performance at the upcoming Milan Cortina Games, potentially continuing the legacy of American women in Olympic figure skating.
Liu’s Journey from Retirement to World Champion
After initially retiring from competitive skating at 16, Alysa Liu felt the sport had become more of a job than a passion. However, after a soul-searching trek in the Himalayas, Liu decided to return to the ice this season with a renewed spirit.
Her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, noted her capabilities remained strong, even as she performed without the triple Axel or quadruple jumps she was known for. Liu herself expressed optimism about her performance, stating, “Personally, I can be so much better.”
Highlights from Liu’s Winning Performance
Liu’s return was nothing short of spectacular, achieving her best score of the season in the free skate at 148.39, significantly higher than her previous performances. She executed seven triple jumps flawlessly, each receiving positive grades of execution, highlighting her exceptional skill and resilience.
Looking Ahead
The world now anticipates the final events of the championship, with the free dance and men’s free skate up next. As for Alysa Liu, her journey from a retired teenager to world champion not only redefines her career but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of skaters. Her story is a testament to the spirit and determination of elite athletes.
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