Nineteen-year-old American figure skater Alysa Liu has achieved a remarkable comeback, claiming the women’s world title in Boston just two years after retiring from the sport at the age of 16.
Liu delivered a mesmerizing free-skate routine at TD Garden, captivating the home crowd and edging out Japan’s three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto.
Sakamoto had taken the lead with a high-quality free-skate routine, but Liu remained composed, feeding off the energy of the crowd as she skated to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.” She sealed her victory with a flawless double Axel on her final jump.
Liu’s overall score of 222.97 made her the first American to win the women’s world title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
Overcome with emotion, Liu celebrated by doing a cartwheel on her way to collect her gold medal.
Japan’s Mone Chiba took bronze, joining Sakamoto on the podium. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson will compete in the ice dance competition later on Saturday, currently sitting in third place after scoring 83.86 in the rhythm dance.
