Figure-skating champs Nathan Chen, Alysa Liu carry US hopes for future

DETROIT — The present and future of American figure skating were on display at last week’s national championships.

Nathan Chen and Richmond’s Alysa Liu were captivating, but it remains to be seen how much they can help the U.S. rebound on the international stage.

Chen, the reigning world champion, is rolling right along after winning a third straight title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. His performance was expected, but the new star to emerge at this competition was Liu, the 13-year-old who became the youngest person to win an individual championship in the event’s history.

“She’s the hope,” said Tara Lipinski, who won the national title at age 14 in 1997 and was supplanted by Liu as the youngest women’s champion.