Alysa Liu’s Incredible Comeback: From Retirement to World Champion

Alysa Liu, the 19-year-old American figure skating star, has made a jaw-dropping return to the sport. After stepping away for two years, she claimed the gold medal at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston. This win marks the first time an American woman has taken the world title since 2006, when Kimmie Meissner won. Liu’s journey—from burnout to a triumphant comeback—shows her incredible strength and love for figure skating. Let’s dive into her story and why this victory is a big deal for American figure skating fans!

A Rising Star’s Early Success

Alysa Liu burst onto the scene as a young talent. At just 13, she became the youngest U.S. champion in 2019. She defended her title in 2020, making her the first American woman since Michelle Kwan in 2005 to win back-to-back national championships. But things got tougher as she grew older. At 15, she placed fourth at the U.S. Championships in 2021, missing out on a third straight win. Then, at 16, she competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, finishing sixth in a competition dominated by Russian skaters. Later that year, she earned a bronze medal at the World Championships. But the pressure to be perfect wore her down. In April 2022, Liu announced her retirement, saying she wanted to focus on happiness outside of skating.

Life After Retirement

When Liu stepped away from figure skating, she didn’t just sit still. She explored new adventures, like hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp with friends—a 40-mile journey that reached 17,500 feet! This break gave her a fresh perspective. Away from the ice, she rediscovered her love for skating and decided it was time to return. In March 2024, Liu announced her comeback, ready to skate with less stress and more joy. Her fans were thrilled to see her back in action!

The Big Win at 2025 Worlds

Fast forward to March 2025—Liu took the ice at the TD Garden in Boston for the World Figure Skating Championships. She delivered two amazing performances that left everyone cheering. In the short program, she scored 74.58 points, landing her in first place. For her free skate, she chose Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park” and wore a stunning gold sequined dress. The crowd gave her a standing ovation as she nailed every jump and spin. With a total score of 222.97 points, Liu beat Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (silver) and Mone Chiba (bronze) to claim the gold. It was a moment of pure joy for Liu and a historic win for the U.S.!

Why This Victory Matters

Liu’s gold medal is huge for American figure skating. It ends a 19-year drought since the last U.S. women’s world title in 2006. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina on the horizon, her win boosts hope for Team USA. Plus, other American skaters like Isabeau Levito (fourth) and Amber Glenn (fifth) also shone at Worlds, showing the U.S. has a strong team ready to compete. Russian skaters, who once ruled the sport, weren’t there this time due to an international ban tied to the Ukraine conflict. But Liu’s performance proved she’s a champion no matter who’s on the ice.

Liu’s Reaction and Future Ahead

After her win, Liu couldn’t hide her excitement. “I don’t even know how to process this,” she said in an interview. “I’m just happy I skated my best in both programs.” She credited her time away from skating for helping her find balance and appreciate the sport more. Her coach, Filippo Di Guglielmo, praised her growth, saying, “She’s a different skater now—more confident and enjoying every second on the ice.” Liu’s story is all about resilience, and it’s inspiring young skaters everywhere to chase their dreams.

Conclusion

Alysa Liu’s comeback is one for the books. From retiring at 16 to winning gold at 19, she’s shown that taking a break doesn’t mean giving up. Her victory at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a game-changer for American figure skating. As the 2026 Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Liu to see what she does next. For now, she’s soaking in the joy of being back on top, proving that sometimes stepping away is the best way to come back stronger