Alysa Liu made headlines at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, where she clinched the gold medal, becoming the first U.S. woman to win a world title in 19 years. This remarkable victory marks a triumphant return for Liu, who had previously retired from the sport at just 16 years old.
Key Takeaways
- Alysa Liu won the world title with a total score of 222.97 points.
- She is the first U.S. woman to win a world championship since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
- Liu's comeback follows a two-year retirement, during which she rediscovered her passion for skating.
- The U.S. placed three women in the top five for the first time since 2001.
A Remarkable Comeback
After stepping away from competitive figure skating in April 2022, Liu returned to the ice with renewed enthusiasm. At 19, she showcased her skills by delivering an outstanding performance that included seven triple jumps, earning her the top scores in both the short program and free skate.
Liu's total score of 222.97 points placed her ahead of Japan's three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, who finished with 217.98 points, and Mone Chiba, who took bronze with 215.24 points. Liu expressed her disbelief at her victory, stating, "I’m not going to lie, this is an insane story. I don’t know how I came back to be world champion."
The Journey Back to Skating
Liu's journey back to the sport began after a two-year hiatus, during which she explored life outside of competitive skating, including attending UCLA and trying skiing for the first time. This break allowed her to regain her love for the sport, leading her to resume training about a year ago.
Reflecting on her comeback, Liu said, "I have never regretted anything in my life. Every decision I’ve made, I’m so glad I did. It really brought me to this moment."
U.S. Women's Figure Skating Shines
The 2025 championships were particularly significant for U.S. women's figure skating, as Liu's victory, along with strong performances from her teammates, marked a resurgence in American figure skating. Isabeau Levito finished fourth, and Amber Glenn came in fifth, making it the first time since 2001 that three U.S. women placed in the top five at the world championships.
This success sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where Liu and her fellow competitors will aim to bring home medals for the U.S. Liu's victory not only highlights her personal achievements but also revitalizes hope for American figure skating on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
As Liu prepares for the Olympic season, she has become a favorite for a medal in Milan. Her journey from retirement to world champion serves as an inspiring story for athletes everywhere, demonstrating the power of resilience and passion in the face of challenges. Liu's next steps will be closely watched as she aims to continue her success on the ice, potentially becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic singles medal since 2006.
With her newfound joy and determination, Alysa Liu is poised to make her mark in the upcoming competitions, and fans around the world are eager to see what she will achieve next.