In a spellbinding return to the national stage, Alysa Liu captivated the crowd at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Thursday night with a short program that showcased her immense talent and growth as a skater. The 19-year-old, who had stepped away from the sport in 2022 after a record-breaking early career, proved she is back and better than ever, scoring a stunning 76.36 points to take a commanding lead heading into Friday’s free skate.
Liu’s program was a master class in both artistry and technical prowess. She landed every jump with conviction, including a soaring triple axel that drew gasps from the audience. But it was the emotional depth and maturity she brought to her skating that truly set her apart. Every movement was imbued with passion and purpose, making it clear that this is a skater who has found new meaning in her return to the ice.
“I was emotional from the very beginning to the end,” Liu said of her performance. “And I really loved that for me, and I felt very connected to the ice.”
A Triumphant Comeback
Liu’s journey back to this moment has been anything but easy. After becoming the youngest U.S. champion in history at age 13 and defending her title the following year, Liu made the difficult decision to step away from competitive skating in 2022. She enrolled at UCLA to study psychology, seemingly content to leave her skating career behind.
But the lure of the ice proved too strong to resist. Early last year, after a ski trip rekindled her love for the thrill of competition, Liu began quietly training again. She kept her comeback plans closely guarded, wanting to make sure she was fully prepared before announcing her return.
All that hard work and secrecy paid off in spectacular fashion on Thursday night. From the moment she took the ice, it was clear that Liu was skating with a newfound sense of joy and purpose. She attacked every element with confidence and grace, her athletic frame and dancer-like lines creating a mesmerizing picture on the ice.
Tough Competition
Liu’s huge score puts her well ahead of the field heading into the free skate, but she will still face stiff competition from a pair of former champions. Bradie Tennell, the 2021 and 2022 U.S. champion, sits in second place after a strong short program that earned her 71.23 points. Defending champion Amber Glenn is just behind Tennell with 70.91 points, despite a mistake on her combination jump.
In the pairs competition, the young team of Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea staked their claim as ones to watch with a nearly flawless short program. Their score of 77.19 points puts them more than eight points ahead of second-place finishers Emily Chan and Spencer Howe going into Saturday’s free skate.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina now just over a year away, this year’s U.S. Championships serve as a crucial testing ground for athletes hoping to make the team. A strong performance here can set the tone for the rest of the season and help skaters build momentum heading into the Olympic year.
For Liu, the goal is simply to keep improving and enjoying the journey. “I don’t remember the first time I won [nationals] or like, the feeling of it, honestly,” she reflected. “When I’ve seen old videos of me, it’s like that wasn’t me, you know what I’m saying? But it was, obviously. It was just so long ago.”
Now, with a renewed love for the sport and a fresh perspective, Liu looks poised to write an exciting new chapter in her already impressive career. And if her short program was any indication, it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
For Liu, the goal is simply to keep improving and enjoying the journey. “I don’t remember the first time I won [nationals] or like, the feeling of it, honestly,” she reflected. “When I’ve seen old videos of me, it’s like that wasn’t me, you know what I’m saying? But it was, obviously. It was just so long ago.”
Now, with a renewed love for the sport and a fresh perspective, Liu looks poised to write an exciting new chapter in her already impressive career. And if her short program was any indication, it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
