Alysa Liu Wins First U.S. Women’s Skating Title Since 2006

29 Mar at 10:40 am

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Alysa Liu Wins First U.S. Women’s Skating Title Since 2006/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Alysa Liu made history Friday night, becoming the first American woman to win a figure skating world championship in nearly 20 years. Her stunning free skate edged out three-time champion Kaori Sakamoto and capped an inspiring comeback from retirement.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates, of the United States, perform during the ice dance rhythm dance program at the figure skating world championships, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Alysa Liu Skating Triumph Quick Looks

Alysa Liu wins U.S.’s first women’s world title since 2006
Liu beats Kaori Sakamoto with 222.97 points in free skate
Return to competition after nearly two years in retirement
Skated to “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer in golden dress
U.S. places three women in top five with Levito and Glenn
Sakamoto earns silver, Japan’s Mone Chiba wins bronze
Liu becomes third American to win world title since 2000
Emotional moment shared with coaches, fellow skaters, and crowd
Liu’s comeback sparked by rekindled joy for competition
Ice dancers Chock and Bates lead after rhythm dance

Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, of the United States, perform during the ice dance rhythm dance program at the figure skating world championships, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Alysa Liu Wins First U.S. Women’s Skating Title Since 2006

Deep Look

Alysa Liu Captures First U.S. Women’s Figure Skating World Title Since 2006

BOSTON — Alysa Liu’s return to figure skating after a two-year retirement ended in glory Friday night as she became the first American woman since 2006 to win a world championship, dazzling the TD Garden crowd with a golden performance that left her — and the sport — in awe.

Skating to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” the 19-year-old Liu delivered a breathtaking free skate that earned a standing ovation and a final score of 222.97. The emotional moment marked the end of a nearly two-decade drought for American women at the world championships, last won by Kimmie Meissner in 2006.

“I don’t know how to process this,” Liu said, visibly overwhelmed after the results were announced. “It means so much to me, everything I’ve been through, stepping away and coming back. I’m just happy I could put out two of my best performances.”

The former prodigy from Clovis, California — the youngest U.S. champion ever at 13 — returned to competition with little fanfare last year. After placing second at the U.S. Championships, Liu surged to the top of the world stage in Boston, just miles from where her program’s iconic song was born.

A Stunning Comeback Story

Liu stepped away from figure skating following a bronze at the 2022 World Championships and a sixth-place Olympic finish in Beijing. Burned out and longing for a normal college experience, she opted for life off the ice. But a ski trip and the thrill of competition rekindled her desire to return.

She announced her comeback with a quiet social media post — and Friday night, made her loudest statement yet.

Liu’s performance included seamless triple jumps, artistic expression, and an emotional connection that captivated the crowd. Her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, embraced her in celebration as the score was read. Even Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, the three-time defending world champion, came over to congratulate Liu with a warm hug.

“She went away and now she’s back — and the world champion,” Sakamoto said. “She’s still the same happy, cheerful Alysa. It’s amazing.”

Sakamoto, Chiba Complete Podium

Sakamoto finished just behind with 217.98 points, settling for silver after a dominant three-year reign. Her teammate Mone Chiba took bronze with 215.24 points. American skaters Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn rounded out the top five, continuing a strong showing for Team USA.

“We’re all such fighters,” said Levito. “We each bring something unique, but we lift each other up. I’m proud to be part of this team.”

The U.S. placing three skaters in the top five underscores a resurgence in American women’s skating not seen in years — one now symbolized by Liu’s gold.

A Night of Redemption

The free skate wasn’t without nerves. Liu admitted she tried to block out expectations and focus only on the performance itself.

“I didn’t come in thinking I could win,” she said. “I came in wanting to deliver a performance I could be proud of — and I did.”

Her win drew comparisons to past greats and brought TD Garden to its feet. The atmosphere echoed that of a major sporting triumph, with Liu’s joyful disbelief and the crowd’s thunderous applause signaling the significance of the moment.

Chock and Bates Dominate Rhythm Dance

Earlier in the evening, American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates moved one step closer to a third straight world title with a season-best 90.18 in their rhythm dance.

Performing a lively “tour through the decades,” their program showcased styles from the 1950s through the 1970s, capturing the energy and essence of the ISU’s seasonal theme. The performance was met with a raucous ovation and left Canadian rivals Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (86.44) trailing heading into the free dance.