Alysa Liu Makes History as First U.S. Woman to Win Figure Skating World Title in Nearly Two Decades

BOSTON — Alysa Liu has made history as the first U.S. women’s singles figure skater to win a world title in 19 years. After taking a two-year break from the sport, Liu returned this season with a remarkable performance, totaling 222.97 points and edging out Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, by nearly five points. Mone Chiba, also from Japan, took home the bronze medal.

“I’m not going to lie, this is an insane story,” Liu shared with NBC Sports. “I don’t know how I came back to be world champion.” Her victory marks a significant moment for American figure skating, as Liu is the first woman to achieve this title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.

This year, the U.S. had three women finish in the top five—a first since 2001. Liu’s triumph comes in a year that echoes the past. In 2002, Sarah Hughes won Olympic gold, setting a high bar for American women in the sport. Now, Liu’s win serves as a hopeful sign for the upcoming Olympics, as she is viewed as a strong contender.

Liu’s journey is not just about victory; it’s also about rediscovery. After becoming the youngest U.S. champion at age 13, Liu stepped away from skating at 16, feeling the pressure of the sport. The break allowed her to find joy in skating again, even after a challenging stint in the Himalayas. When she returned, she focused on enjoying the experience rather than just competing.

During the world finals, Liu performed exceptionally, landing seven triple jumps. All her technical elements received positive scores, showcasing her talent and hard work. Despite her skills, including landing a triple Axel and quadruple jump at young ages, she won the title without these difficult moves. Coach Phillip DiGuglielmo noted that Liu is capable of executing them, but she chose a strategy that emphasized consistency over complexity.

Reflecting on her comeback season, Liu acknowledged she has more to offer. "That’s why I call this a starter season," she said. "I don’t know how I just did this." This sense of humility and desire for growth resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their admiration and excitement for her future in the sport.

Amid these achievements, Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn also performed well. Levito, having faced a foot injury this season, finished fourth, while Glenn improved significantly from ninth to fifth place, marking her best finish at the world championships. Glenn attempted a triple Axel, the only woman to do so in the competition, although she couldn’t land it cleanly. She expressed pride in her resilience during the event.

The world championships concluded with thrilling performances and promising prospects for the future of American figure skating. Liu’s victory is not only a win for her but also a beacon of hope for aspiring skaters.

For more on figure skating and updates, visit NBC Sports.

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