Alysa Liu Leads Figure Skating World Championships in Stunning Comeback
In a remarkable return to competitive skating, Alysa Liu, once the youngest US figure skating champion, has surged into the lead at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston. The 19-year-old, who stepped away from the sport at 16, delivered a captivating short program, positioning herself within striking distance of a world title, a feat not achieved by an American woman in nearly two decades. Her performance has ignited excitement at the prestigious figure skating competition.
Triumphant Short Program Captivates Boston Crowd
The arena at TD Garden was enthralled as Liu, hailing from Clovis, California, executed a career-defining short program on the opening day of the championships. Her score of 74.58 points, a personal best on the international stage, propelled her to the top of the leaderboard. Skating to “Promise” by Laufey and Dan Wilson, Liu’s emotive routine resonated deeply with the audience, leaving her visibly moved as she left the ice, holding back tears.
“Beyond the scores, I felt this was my finest performance in any competition,” Liu stated, reflecting on her skate. “I was trying hard to keep my composure,” she added.
Liu Takes Top Spot Over Strong Field
Competing 18th out of 33 skaters, Liu’s polished and assured program maintained its dominance as the remaining top contenders performed. Her unexpected lead places her in a prime position as she heads into Friday’s free skate, presenting a significant opportunity to become the first American woman to secure a world singles title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
Liu narrowly surpassed Japan’s Mone Chiba, who attained a score of 73.44, and fellow American Isabeau Levito, the reigning world silver medalist, returning from injury, who earned 73.33 for third place. This marks Levito’s first competition since Skate America in October.
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Uncertainty Turned Confidence: Liu’s Mental Fortitude
When questioned about her unexpected ascent to the leading position, Liu expressed humility and slight bewilderment. “I’m not sure how it happened. It feels quite strange. I genuinely don’t know,” she admitted. “However, I believe my mental approach is a key factor. It’s challenging to reach this particular mindset, but I find it beneficial. People keep saying it ‘works’ – I’m not sure what that means exactly, but I’ll continue with my skating.”
Her routine was highlighted by a flawless triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination, rapid and centered spins, and expressive choreography that garnered a standing ovation. Adding a touch of spontaneity, she incorporated a cartwheel during her opening.
“I wanted to inject something fun,” she explained. “Seeing the open space, I thought, ‘A cartwheel would be perfect.’”
Comeback Exceeds Expectations, Eyes on 2026 Olympics
This remarkable return has yielded greater success than anticipated. Liu had retired following a bronze medal win at the 2022 world championships, which was her last competition before her hiatus. However, early last year, she declared her comeback, fueled by renewed drive and long-term aspirations to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
“Leading after the short program doesn’t fundamentally alter anything,” Liu commented. “My objectives remain consistent. I aim to deliver an exceptional free skate performance. The ideal skate – that would be a dream scenario.”
Her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, greeted her warmly at the rinkside boards, offering subtle smiles and a welcoming “welcome back”.
Levito and Sakamoto in Contention
Trailing closely behind Liu, Levito, the reigning world silver medalist, demonstrated strength in her own return after a four-month absence due to a foot injury. Her Audrey Hepburn-inspired short program, set to Henry Mancini’s “Moon River,” was another crowd favorite.
“Throughout the entire program, I had countless thoughts racing through my mind,” Levito, who recently turned 19, and is a former world junior champion, revealed. “At times, my thoughts drifted to topics unrelated to skating. I understand my nervousness – I feared I might have forgotten how to compete. But I am incredibly happy to be back.”
Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, the three-time defending world champion, encountered unexpected challenges, scoring 71.03 for fifth place. An uncommon error, landing a double flip instead of a triple in her opening combination, may have diminished her opportunity to become the first skater to achieve four consecutive world titles since Carol Heiss’s five consecutive wins from 1956 to 1960.
Glenn and Kim Face Setbacks
Amber Glenn, considered a frontrunner after an undefeated Grand Prix season, faltered on her signature triple Axel, dropping to ninth place with 67.65. Glenn remains the only woman in the competition to have successfully landed the high-risk jump cleanly this season.
“I am clearly very disappointed at the moment,” Glenn expressed. “Recovering after a fall is always difficult.”
South Korea’s Kim Chae-yeon, the reigning Four Continents and Asian Winter Games champion, touched down with her hand on a shaky triple toe loop, finishing 11th with 65.67. This places the 18-year-old in a challenging position to replicate her world bronze medal from the previous year in Montreal.
Absence of Russian Skaters Reshapes Competition
Notably absent from the competition are the Russian skaters, who remain excluded from international events due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian women had dominated the sport, claiming five of the six world titles preceding the ban. Their continued absence has altered the competitive landscape, opening opportunities for emerging talents from Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Tribute to Skating Community
The championships commenced on Wednesday amidst somber remembrance. A tribute was planned before the evening session to honor the 28 members of the skating community who tragically perished on January 29th, when an aircraft collision occurred near Washington. Among the 67 victims were skaters, coaches, and parents affiliated with the host Skating Club of Boston.
“The young athletes we lost – across our nation – represented the future of our sport,” commented Doug Zeghibe, chief executive of the Skating Club of Boston. “It is deeply meaningful to see this acknowledged.”
Looking Ahead: Free Skate and Olympic Qualification
The World Championships continue on Thursday with the pairs’ free skate and the commencement of the men’s and ice dance competitions. All medals are scheduled to be awarded by Saturday night. This event is also crucial for Olympic qualification, with national placements determining quotas for the 2026 Winter Games.
For Liu, the path to Milano Cortina is underway. However, her immediate focus is a world title within grasp. “I didn’t have excessive expectations for this season,” she stated. “But I anticipate next season will be even stronger.”
While the future holds promise, Alysa Liu’s current performance is undeniable. She is leading the world, skating with a prowess that belies any absence.