BOSTON — Alysa Liu skated into the history books on Friday night, March 28, 2025, at the TD Garden, becoming the first American woman to win a world figure skating title in nearly two decades. In a stunning performance, Liu dethroned three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, finishing with a total score of 222.97 points, nearly five points ahead of Sakamoto’s 217.98.
At just 19 years old, Liu, who hails from Richmond, California, made a triumphant return to the sport after a two-year hiatus. Her victory marks the first time an American woman has captured the world championship since Kimmie Meissner in 2006 and the first in a non-Olympic year since 2003.
“What just happened?” Liu exclaimed in disbelief after her final spin, as the audience erupted into a standing ovation. “I haven’t even processed my short program win yet; I don’t know how I’m going to process this one.”
Last year, Liu had stepped away from competitive skating, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of the sport. She had previously won two U.S. national titles by the age of 14 and earned a bronze medal at the world championships in 2022. However, after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she finished sixth, Liu decided to retire, seeking a normal college experience.
Yet, the allure of the ice proved too strong. After a ski trip reignited her competitive spirit, Liu reached out to her longtime coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, expressing her desire to return to skating. “I didn’t expect this. I didn’t have expectations coming in,” Liu said. “It’s more so, ‘What can I put out performance-wise?’ I really met my expectations on my part.”
Before the free skate, Liu had already won the short program on Wednesday, March 26, setting her up for a chance at the title. Skating to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” she opened with a flawless triple flip and followed it up with a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination, captivating the crowd with each landing.
“I’m mostly happy I could put out two of my best performances,” Liu commented after her skate. “I’m very happy with how my program went today.”
As Liu completed her routine, the scoreboard indicated she had overtaken Sakamoto, prompting her coaches to celebrate from the sidelines. Sakamoto, who entered the free skate in fifth place, fought back valiantly, landing two triple Lutzes, including one in the latter half of her program, to finish with a score of 146.95 in the free skate.
“I mean, it means so much to me and everything I’ve been through,” Liu reflected on her journey. “I feel like her cheerfulness, her kindness, and the way she’s always so happy brought her to this position on top of the podium,” Sakamoto said of Liu, acknowledging the young skater’s remarkable comeback.
Mone Chiba, another Japanese skater, rounded out the podium, finishing third with an overall score of 215.24. American skaters Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with scores of 209.84 and 200.00. Levito, who was competing in her first major event after a three-month injury layoff, expressed pride in her performance despite a fall on her opening jump. “When I fell on the first jump, I wanted it to be over and stop the program,” Levito said. “But I think I finished the rest of the program really well, and I’m proud of myself for doing that.”
Glenn, who had fallen on her triple Axel in the short program, redeemed herself with a strong free skate, landing the triple Axel to open her routine. “I’m proud I was able to keep my composure,” she said after finishing fifth.
With her stunning victory, Liu has not only reclaimed her place among the best in the world but has also inspired a new generation of skaters. Her journey from retirement to world champion is a testament to resilience and determination. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t decide to retire for a little bit,” Liu reflected. “I just am glad that I listen to myself and do whatever. Because it just works out in the end.”
As the competition continues, American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates also made headlines, leading their event with a season-best score of 90.18 points for their rhythm dance. They will aim for their third consecutive title, a feat not accomplished since the 1990s.
Friday night was a historic moment for Liu and the U.S. figure skating community, as they celebrated the return of a champion who has once again proven that hard work and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. With her eyes set on the future, Liu’s story is far from over, and fans can expect to see more from this talented skater in the years to come.
