Alysa Liu Surprises World Championships with Gold After Retirement
1. A Fantastic Win Three years after quitting and one year after returning, Alysa Liu astonished the world by capturing gold at the World Figure Skating Championships.
Historic US Win. After Kimmie Meissner's 2006 success, Liu became the first American woman to win the world championship in over 20 years.
Perfect Work She won the short program and free skate with a perfect performance to Donna Summer music, scoring 222.97.
Overcoming Champions Liu upset three-time reigning champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan for silver and Mone Chiba for bronze. American Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn finished fourth and fifth.
A Surprise Journey Even Liu didn't expect to win a world title when she returned last year. "Even yesterday, I wasn't expecting this," she said.
Early Signs of Success Liu learned to skate at age 5 and showed potential. She landed triple axels by 12 and was a senior national champion by 13.
Moving away from skating Liu retired aged 16 after the 2022 Winter Olympics and Worlds medal, saying she was ready to "move on with her life."
Retirement Clarity Liu stated that skating demands had overpowered her while making her choice. Time apart helped her assess her career.
The Unexpected Return A year later, she wondered whether she could land leaps and execute entire programs. That interest prompted her to seek her former instructor, Phillip DiGuglielmo.
A Different Training Method Liu returned without the strain of being a "prodigy." She relaxed her training routine.
Skating Joyfully She executed a cartwheel before skating at Worlds, showing her carefree attitude. She seemed happy than ever to friends and rivals.
No regrets Liu has no regrets about retiring or returning. "I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t retire for a little bit," stated. Listening to myself, I do anything. Because it all works out."