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Three years ago, Alysa Liu stunned the figure skating world by walking away from the sport at just 16. Now, in an almost fairytale-like twist, the 19-year-old is on the verge of becoming the first American women's world champion in nearly two decades.
Liu, who placed first in the short program at this year's World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, has defied expectations after returning to competition. With a score of 74.58, she leads the pack ahead of Japan's Mone Chiba and fellow American Isabeau Levito, who is also in contention for the title. If she pulls it off, Liu will break a 19-year drought, with the last American woman to win the world title being Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
Her rise to fame began in 2019 when, at just 13, Liu became the youngest skater to win a U.S. national title. She repeated the feat the following year, cementing her status as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. However, after competing in the 2022 Beijing Olympics and winning a bronze medal at the World Championships, she shocked everyone by announcing her retirement.
At the time, Liu insisted she was satisfied with her achievements and ready to move on. But something reignited her passion, and in March last year, she quietly returned to training. By the end of the year, she was back on the ice, proving that her talent had never faded.
Despite skepticism surrounding her comeback, Liu delivered a career-best short program performance, dazzling the audience with a flawless triple flip-triple toe loop combination and a triple Lutz. It was a statement—a reminder that she still belongs at the top.
The World Championships in Boston also carried a somber tone, as the figure skating community honored those lost in the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. The accident claimed 67 lives, including 11 young figure skaters and their families. A heartfelt tribute, including a video montage and a choir performance, left many in tears.
Now, Liu's fairy tale return is just one performance away from being complete. The free skate will determine if she can cap off her remarkable comeback with the ultimate prize. Win or lose, one thing is certain: Alysa Liu's story is one of resilience, defiance, and the power of believing in oneself.
