American figure skating: Alysa Liu has become the first champion’s first woman since 2006

In an astonishing return to sport, the American artistic skater Alysa Liu destroyed the triple reigning champion Kaori Sakamoto from Japan at the world craft skating championships Friday evening at the Boston’s TD Garden.

Liu became the first American woman to win a title from Kimmie Meissner in 2006.

Liu’s victory marked a dazzling return after getting away from sport in 2022.

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“I mean, it means so much for me and everything I experienced,” said Liu after the victory. “My last skating experience, my time absent and this time – I am so happy, I suppose. I am especially happy to be able to get two of my best performances out.”

Liu was once considered a star rising as the youngest American champion of all time when she triumphed at the age of 13 in 2019, then defended her title the following year. She had a childhood dream by qualifying for the Olympic Games, finishing sixth at the Beijing 2022 Games, and won a bronze medal at the world championships that year.

Amber Glenn, from Texas, wins the biggest American female figure skating title in 14 years

Then she moved away. Liu decided that skating had become less joy and more work, and she wanted to focus on being a normal student. It was only when she made a ski trip and felt the rush of the competition – although in a very different way, and with much lower issues – that she started to think about a return.

At the beginning of last year, she made her official with a cryptic article on social networks. And while the way back in a notoriously flying sport was bumpy, Liu took a big step forward with his second place in Glenn at the American championships.

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She took the last step on the podium on Friday evening.

“I did not expect that. I had no expectations to come,” said Liu. “I never have expectations in competitions. It is more:” What can I put out the performance? “I really met my expectations on my part.”

Liu is now in a position to make the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic team for the United States

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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