The 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships are underway in Boston, bringing together 200 of the best figure skaters from around the globe. This prestigious event, which runs from March 26 to March 30, is particularly poignant this year as it follows the tragic loss of 14 members of the figure skating community in a plane crash in January. A remembrance ceremony was held on the opening night to honor those who were lost.
This is the first World Championships held on U.S. soil since 2016, and with the Winter Olympics just around the corner, the stakes are high for Team USA. Defending champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates are vying to become the first ice dancers in 28 years to win three consecutive world titles, while American Amber Glenn has claimed the title of the world’s top skater this season. Meanwhile, Ilia Malinin is aiming to become the second American men's singles skater in 40 years to repeat as world champion.
The competition kicked off on March 26 and will culminate on Sunday, March 30. Fans can catch all the action streaming on Peacock, with additional coverage airing on NBC and USA Network.
The event is being hosted by the Skating Club of Boston, which was significantly impacted by the recent tragedy, losing three skaters—Jinna Han, Spencer Lane, and Olivia Ter—and two coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both of whom were world champions in their own right. The emotional weight of this loss is palpable, adding a layer of significance to this year’s championships.
As the competition continues, the excitement is building. On Friday, March 28, the Women's Free Skate took center stage, showcasing a talented lineup of skaters. The competitors included not only American athletes like Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, and Alysa Liu but also international talents from countries like Japan, Canada, and South Korea.
After the short program, Alysa Liu led the American contingent, with Japan's Mone Chiba in second and Levito in third. Glenn, meanwhile, was positioned in ninth place, looking to make a strong comeback in the free skate.
And what a free skate it was! Alysa Liu delivered a breathtaking performance that left the audience at the TD Garden in awe. She completed her routine with a stunning score of 148.39 in the free skate and a total of 222.97, clinching the women's world title in a remarkable comeback year. Liu's victory marks a significant milestone for American figure skating, ending a 19-year drought for a U.S. woman atop the Worlds podium since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
"What the hell?" Liu exclaimed in disbelief after her win, clearly overwhelmed by the moment. Her performance was met with thunderous applause, as each jump and spin was executed flawlessly, showcasing her technical prowess and artistry. The crowd erupted as she completed her final spin, a fitting end to a spectacular routine.
In a show of sportsmanship, Liu shared a heartfelt moment with her competitor, Sakamoto Kaori, who finished second with a score of 217.98. The two embraced, with Sakamoto offering Liu a tissue to wipe her tears, highlighting the camaraderie and respect that exists among these elite athletes.
Completing the podium was Chiba Mone, who secured third place with a score of 215.24. The top ten in the women's competition were rounded out by Isabeau Levito in fourth place with 209.84 and Amber Glenn in fifth with 205.65.
As the championships progress, the ice dance free dance and men's singles free skate are set to take place on Saturday, March 29, promising even more thrilling performances. Chock and Bates, who won the rhythm dance segment, are on the cusp of making history as they chase their third consecutive world title.
With the competition heating up, fans can expect more exhilarating moments from the world’s best figure skaters. The 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships not only celebrate the sport's elite but also serve as a poignant reminder of the community's resilience in the face of tragedy.
As the event draws to a close, all eyes will be on the final performances, and the atmosphere at TD Garden is sure to be electric. Will Team USA continue its strong showing? Tune in to find out!
