Alysa Liu Claims Historic Women’s Figure Skating World Championship for the US After Nearly 20 Years

BOSTON — Alysa Liu made history on Friday night by becoming the first American woman to win the World Figure Skating Championships in nearly 20 years. Competing at TD Garden, Liu triumphed over three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto with an electrifying free skate that captivated the audience, earning her a standing ovation.

Dressed in a glistening gold costume, Liu’s performance featured flawless jumps set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.” She racked up a total of 222.97 points, marking a triumphant return to the sport following a two-year hiatus.

As the results were announced, the crowd erupted in cheers. Liu’s coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, embraced her in celebration. In a moment of sportsmanship, Sakamoto approached Liu to offer a heartfelt hug, signifying the passing of a torch as the first U.S. world champion since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.

“What the hell? I don’t know how to process this,” Liu remarked, visibly astonished by her achievement.

In the final standings, Sakamoto secured a silver medal with 217.98 points, while her teammate Mone Chiba finished third with 215.24 points. American skaters Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn also excelled, contributing to a strong showing for the United States.

Liu, once hailed as the sport’s emerging talent, had previously made headlines at age 13 when she became the youngest U.S. champion in 2019. Her journey continued through the Beijing Olympics, where she finished sixth, and a subsequent bronze medal at the world championships. However, her decision to step back and focus on her education took her away from the ice until a skiing trip reignited her competitive spirit, leading to her comeback announcement earlier this year.

Before Liu’s momentous victory, American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates showcased their talent in pursuit of a third consecutive title. They set a season-best score of 90.18 points in their rhythm dance, overcoming their Canadian counterparts Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who scored 86.44 points.

The evening highlighted the season’s theme of social dances from the 1950s to 1970s, and Chock and Bates incorporated various styles into their performance. “It was probably the most fun I’ve had on competitive ice,” Chock said, enthusing about the joy of performing in front of a home crowd.

With a significant lead, Chock and Bates aim to secure the first three-peat championship since the 1990s. Poirier acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic about the unpredictable nature of the sport.