BOSTON — In a breathtaking display of talent and determination, Alysa Liu captured the gold medal at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships on Friday night, becoming the first American woman to win a world title in singles figure skating since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. The 19-year-old skater, who made a remarkable return to the ice this season after a two-year retirement, finished with an impressive total score of 222.97, surpassing Japan's three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, who took home the silver with 217.98 points. Mone Chiba of Japan rounded out the podium with a bronze medal performance, scoring 215.24.
Liu's journey back to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. She first gained national attention in 2019 when, at just 13 years old, she became the youngest U.S. champion in history. After defending her title in 2020, Liu faced setbacks, finishing fourth at the U.S. Championships at 15 and seventh at the Beijing Winter Games at 16. Following a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2022, she announced her retirement, citing burnout from the sport.
However, after two and a half years away, Liu returned to competitive skating this season, ready to rediscover her love for the sport. "I’m not going to lie, this is an insane story," Liu said during an interview with NBC Sports after her triumphant performance. "I don’t know how I came back to be world champion." Her comeback was marked by joy and a renewed passion for skating, which was evident in her performances.
During the competition at TD Garden, Liu showcased her skills with a flawless free skate that included seven triple jumps, three of which were in combination. Her free skate score of 148.39 was a personal best, and she received positive grades of execution for all 12 of her technical elements. Liu skated to the iconic sounds of Boston native Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park," captivating the audience and earning a standing ovation.
The night was not just about Liu; the U.S. women's team made history by placing three skaters in the top five for the first time since 2001. Isabeau Levito, last year's world silver medalist, finished fourth with a score of 209.84 after a strong comeback performance, while Amber Glenn, who had been in ninth place after the short program, fought her way up to fifth with a total score of 205.65. Glenn was the only woman to attempt a triple Axel in the free skate, though she did not land it cleanly.
"I was really proud of the fight that I had out there, and that I stayed calm and that I finished on a positive note on the season," Glenn remarked after her performance. Levito, who had missed much of the season due to a foot injury, expressed her relief and happiness after her performance, stating, "This just feels really good."
Sakamoto, who was aiming for her fourth consecutive world title, put forth a strong effort but ultimately fell short against Liu's stellar performance. Her silver medal marks her fourth consecutive medal at the World Championships, further solidifying her status as one of the top skaters in the world.
This year's championships have been particularly poignant for the figure skating community, as they come in the wake of a tragic plane crash in January that claimed the lives of six local skating figures. Liu's victory provided a moment of joy and hope amidst the sorrow.
As the competition continues, Liu's victory not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also positions her as a strong contender for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. With the U.S. Figure Skating Championships set for next January, Liu, Levito, and Glenn are all in the running to represent their country on the Olympic stage. Liu reflected on her journey, saying, "Personally, I can be so much better. That’s why I call this a starter season because this season is me picking up the pieces. So I don’t know how I just did this."
The 2025 World Figure Skating Championships will conclude on Saturday with the free dance and men's free skate events, but the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Liu and her remarkable comeback story. With her sights set on Olympic glory, the skating world will be watching closely as she embarks on this next chapter of her illustrious career.
