Alysa Liu has taken the figure skating world by storm once again. On March 26, 2025, at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, the 19-year-old American skater soared to the top of the leaderboard in the women’s short program. With a brilliant combination of technical precision and graceful artistry, Liu earned 74.58 points, claiming first place ahead of Japan’s Mone Chiba and fellow American Isabeau Levito.
This competition marks a major turning point in Liu’s career. After retiring unexpectedly in 2022 following the Beijing Winter Olympics, Liu shocked fans last year with her announcement to return to competition. Many questioned her ability to regain her elite form after a two-year break, but she silenced all doubts in Boston with her breathtaking performance.
Return to Competition After Early Retirement
In 2022, Liu stepped away from competitive skating shortly after placing seventh at the Beijing Olympics. At the time, she cited a desire to pursue other goals outside the rink. She had already achieved a lot—becoming the youngest U.S. women’s national champion at age 13 and repeating the feat the following year. However, the pressure and expectations took a toll on her, and Liu walked away from the sport to focus on her personal development and education.
Her return to figure skating in late 2024 shocked fans and experts alike. Liu announced her comeback through a short video on social media, saying, “I missed the ice more than I expected. I’m back because I love to skate.”
Since that announcement, Liu has trained rigorously under coach Massimo Scali, who praised her work ethic and discipline. “She’s more focused than ever,” Scali said in an interview before the World Championships. “She understands her body and her craft. She’s skating smarter now.”
Flawless Performance at the Worlds
When Liu stepped onto the ice at TD Garden in Boston, the crowd greeted her with roaring applause. Her short program, set to the ethereal notes of Clair de Lune, held the audience in silence. She opened with a clean triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, followed by a solid double axel and a beautifully executed triple flip. Her spins looked faster, and her step sequence flowed effortlessly across the ice.
The judges rewarded her with 74.58 points—a season-best score for Liu. Her technical execution stood out, but her interpretation of the music elevated the program to another level.
Mone Chiba, representing Japan, delivered a strong program as well, earning 73.17 points to sit just behind Liu. Isabeau Levito, the reigning U.S. national champion, followed closely in third place with 71.82 points. With such narrow margins, the free skate promises an intense showdown between three world-class skaters.
Emotional Victory on Home Ice
Liu’s performance carried emotional weight, not just because of her comeback, but also because of the location. Boston, her father’s hometown, has deep personal significance. “It felt like I had everyone behind me,” Liu said after her skate. “I could hear the cheers before I even started. I wanted to make them proud.”
Her father, Arthur Liu, stood beaming in the crowd, wiping away tears as he watched his daughter skate with grace and maturity beyond her years. “She’s grown into a confident young woman,” he said. “More than medals, I’m proud of her courage to chase her passion again.”
Renewed Rivalry with Chiba and Levito
The 2025 World Championships have rekindled a compelling rivalry among three top skaters. Mone Chiba has emerged as a powerful force in international figure skating, with consistent podium finishes over the past two seasons. Her technical consistency and elegant presentation make her a favorite for the gold.
Meanwhile, Isabeau Levito continues to dominate the U.S. figure skating scene. As the reigning national champion, Levito represents the next generation of American skating talent. Her unique style and poise on ice have drawn comparisons to legends like Michelle Kwan.
Alysa Liu now stands as the bridge between these two skaters. Though she briefly left the competitive scene, her return injects a new layer of excitement and unpredictability. “I respect both Isabeau and Mone,” Liu said during the post-event press conference. “We’re all pushing each other to be better.”
The Road Ahead
While the short program has crowned Liu as the current leader, the competition remains wide open. The free skate, scheduled for March 29, will test endurance, artistic maturity, and technical prowess. Liu plans to include a triple axel and a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination—high-risk elements that could secure her gold or cost her the podium.
Coach Massimo Scali feels confident. “She’s prepared. She’s healthy, mentally strong, and motivated. The free skate will be about executing what we’ve trained for.”
Liu herself seems calm and grounded. “Whatever happens in the free skate, I’m just happy to be here,” she said. “Skating again in front of people who love this sport—that’s the win for me.”
What Liu’s Comeback Means for U.S. Figure Skating
Liu’s return brings renewed energy to U.S. women’s figure skating. With veterans like Mariah Bell retired and Karen Chen stepping back, the sport needed a familiar face to captivate fans and inspire young skaters. Liu fills that role effortlessly.
Her comeback also highlights a broader shift in the sport. Skaters now focus more on longevity and balance between competition and personal life. Liu’s break and subsequent return show that athletes can redefine their paths without adhering to traditional timelines.
U.S. Figure Skating President Sam Auxier praised Liu’s performance and mindset. “Alysa reminds us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place. She skates with joy and courage.”
Fans Rally Behind the Comeback Queen
Social media erupted after Liu’s short program. Hashtags like #AlysaLiu and #Worlds2025 trended globally, with fans praising her artistry, grit, and authenticity. Former Olympians and celebrities also applauded her comeback.
“Flawless. Poised. Powerful. What a queen,” tweeted 1998 Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen.
Liu responded to the outpouring with humility. “I’m overwhelmed by the love,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thanks for believing in me.”
Final Thoughts
Alysa Liu’s performance at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships has not only placed her back at the top but also reinvigorated the spirit of competitive figure skating. She skated with the joy of a child and the strength of a seasoned athlete. Her return feels less like a comeback and more like a new chapter—one filled with possibility, inspiration, and heart.
As she prepares for the free skate, all eyes remain fixed on Boston. Whether she clinches the title or not, Alysa Liu has already won the hearts of fans worldwide.
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