- Alysa Liu wins her first world title, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so since 2006.
- Kaori Sakamoto’s bid for a fourth straight title falls short as she finishes second.
- Japan’s Mone Chiba claims the bronze medal with a total score of 215.24.
Alysa Liu’s victory at the World Figure Skating Championships marks a remarkable comeback, just a year after her return to the sport. Skating last, she delivered a powerful free skate to MacArthur Park, earning 148.39 points in the segment and securing a total of 222.97. This makes her the first American woman to win the title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
Kaori Sakamoto, despite a strong free skate that vaulted her from fifth to second, fell short of a historic fourth consecutive title. Overcome with emotion, she graciously congratulated Liu while reflecting on the loss.
Alysa Liu’s Golden Return: World Champion After Shocking Comeback
Alysa Liu’s journey from retirement to world champion is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 16, she stepped away from the sport, but her return has been nothing less than triumphant. Her confident and technically brilliant free skate solidified her as a serious contender for Olympic gold at Milan-Cortina 2026.
Meanwhile, Kaori Sakamoto, who had dominated women’s figure skating for three years, faced an unexpected challenge. Struggling in the short program, she rebounded with a stellar free skate but ultimately finished second. Though disappointed, Sakamoto views this setback as motivation for her Olympic campaign.
Mone Chiba, Japan’s rising star, maintained her composure to secure third place. With her first world medal, she has firmly established herself as a competitor to watch in upcoming seasons.
The competition also saw a strong performance in ice dance, with Madison Chock and Evan Bates leading the rhythm dance segment. Their pursuit of a third straight world title adds to the excitement of an already thrilling championship.
With less than a year until the Winter Olympics, Liu’s resurgence reshapes the landscape of women’s figure skating. Her victory signals a new era in the sport, setting up a fierce rivalry with Sakamoto and other top contenders.
“Personally, I can be so much better.” – Alysa Liu
