Darkhorse Alysa Liu seizes World title in Boston
2025 World Figure Skating Championships: Women
USA’s Alysa Liu, who recently returned to competition, unexpectedly took the Women’s title at in Boston, Mass., in a strong field of talent. The skater from California won the bronze in 2022 in her debut at this event before calling it quits. Kaori Sakamoto of Japan rose from fifth place after the short to claim the silver, while teammate Mone Chiba claimed the bronze.
Alysa Liu
The two-time U.S. champion performed a beautiful and heartfelt short program to “Promise” by Laufey which featured a solid triple flip-triple toe, double Axel and triple Lutz. All three spins and the footwork were graded a level four and every element received no less than 2+ positive grades of execution (GOE) across the board. She posted a new personal best of 74.58 for first place going into the free skate.
“Going out there in the stadium and hearing all the cheers and noise feels incredible!” said the 19-year-old. “This is maybe the part of figure skating that I miss the most, along with training. I just really, really love to train. I’m not really thinking about the Olympics yet because it feels so far away for me. I feel like this season was just the start, and I didn’t expect too much from it. But I know that next season will be even better.”
The 2022 World bronze medalist showed versatility and thrilled the crowd with her free skate to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.” She executed a total of seven solid triple jumps, including a triple Lutz-triple toe and triple Lutz-double Axel-double toe sequence. All spins and footwork were graded a level four, and all elements garnered positive GOEs. The crowd roared, nearly drowning out the music in the second half with claps and cheers. She posted a personal best in both the free skate and total score (148.39/222.97), maintaining her lead to win the gold.
“Oh my god, this means so much to me after everything I’ve gone through. I’m so happy!” said the stunned skater. “I’m mostly glad that I could put out two strong performances. I never, ever would have dreamed of becoming a world champion after coming back to the sport. To be honest, I don’t have any expectations anymore going into competitions.”
The first person she wanted to call after opening her phone again was her siblings.
“The interaction we have with the other American women is just great,” said Liu. “We have so much fun together, and even during practices. We give each other little smiles and high fives—that already makes each other better. We can really feel each other’s victories.”
Liu said she never regretted anything in life, including the abrupt break she took, adding that she had no expectations when she returned at the beginning of the season.
“Even yesterday I didn’t expect this,” she said, of winning the short program. “I didn’t have expectations coming in, I never have expectations coming into competitions anymore. It’s more so what I can put out performance-wise. I really met my expectations on that part today, so there is nothing to complain about.”
Kaori Sakamoto
Sakamoto nailed a double Axel and triple Lutz in her short program to an Astor Piazzolla medley. The 2022 Olympic bronze medalist doubled the first jump in a triple flip-triple toe combination, but two spins were graded a level four, and she placed fifth with 71.03 points.
“I actually felt in very good condition today, but I’ve noticed that when I feel really good and well-prepared, I tend to get more nervous,” said Sakamoto. “After landing the Lutz and the Axel, I felt strong, but before going into the flip, I felt a little unstable. Luckily, after doing the double flip, I had enough speed to pull off the triple. ”
“For the free skate, I think I’ll be less nervous,” the 24-year-old added. “I’ve been in this situation many times before, and I believe I’ll be okay. My main goal for this competition is to be satisfied with myself, rather than focusing on winning or trying to secure a fourth consecutive title.”
The three-time World champion landed five solid triple jumps in her fun and lively free skate to “All That Jazz.” The audience cheered and screamed from beginning to end on every element. The only mistake was a two-footed landing on the end of a double Axel-Euler-triple Salchow which was underrotated. She also landed the back end of a triple flip-triple toe on the quarter, but all spins and footwork were awarded a level four with positive GOEs. She scored 146.95 points for second place in this segment, and with a total score of 217.98, rose to second place overall.
Sakamoto said she felt she put out everything she could and was satisfied with the performance. However, she also admitted to feeling very emotional throughout the day.
“I was crying on the bus here and when I was doing my makeup,” she said. “Wakaba was texting me, ‘Let’s just do our best,’ and that also made me cry and feel so emotional. At the end, when Alysa hugged me, there were also so many mixed emotions inside me. On one hand, I was happy for Alysa, of course, but on the other hand, there was a little bit of frustration. After so many consecutive titles, now everything is back to zero, and I feel like a weight is falling off my shoulders. My coach also told me maybe this is for the better.”
After being the winner for three consecutive years, Sakamoto said she did indeed have the goal for a fourth title at this event.
“I think this is an important experience to feel this crushing defeat because now that I can be an underdog, a challenger moving forward aiming for the top,” she said. “I do think that this was an important experience to have ahead of the Milano Olympics.”
Mone Chiba
Chiba smiled and engaged the crowd throughout her upbeat and solid short program to “Last Dance.” Showing very good skating skills, landed a triple Lutz-triple toe, double Axel and triple flip. The only minor error was a slight underrotation on the second jump of the combination. All spins were graded a level four, with the layback receiving 4 and 5+ GOES, and the 2024 Four Continents champions scored a new personal best of 73.44 for second place.
“I was really happy with my short program performance today, it was my best of the season,” said the 19-year-old. “All of my jumps, spins, and steps came together, and I felt like everything was at its best.”
Chiba added that she was very nervous last year and felt that she “lost sight” of herself, making it harder to focus.
“But this year, I took the atmosphere in a more positive way,” she said. “The U.S. and Canada have their own unique energy, and I prepared for that by using visualization techniques. During my warm-up, I imagined the audience around me, and that helped me stay focused. I was nervous yesterday, but I told myself to just do what I do in practice, and that mindset came through in my performance. Looking ahead to the free skate, I want to focus on the quality of my jumps, increasing my GOE, and improving the speed of my skating to make it more dynamic.”
The 2024-25 Grand Prix Final silver medalist earned huge GOEs for her opening triple flip-triple toe in her free skate to “Ariana Concerto No. 1.” Her eloquent routine also featured a solid triple loop, triple Lutz-double Axel sequence and triple flip. The only mistakes came on an underrotated triple Salchow and the front end of a triple Lutz-double toe-double loop. All spins and footwork were graded a level four, and she scored a new season’s best of 141.80 third place. However, her total score of 215.24—a personal best—was only enough for third place overall.
“It wasn’t 100%,” noted Chiba. “The level of the nerves was as bad as last year’s free. My body was a little stiff going into the program, but coach Mie Hamada kept telling me to trust myself and trust the training. So I kept telling myself to get through the program. I am proud of fighting throughout the program. I am a little sad about triple Salchow. I am really happy that I was able to contribute to the Olympic spot and getting on the podium.”
The skater from Kyoto said she did not imagine she would be on the podium, and was happy with the bronze, her first world medal.
“I think during the short, I was able to not let myself get too sort of overwhelmed by the atmosphere,” she reflected. “I think I could use the cheers from the audience as a source of strength for myself. And I think that was a good takeaway, probably my biggest takeaway, from this competition. I want to make sure that I will never forget that. Every single competition moving forward, I want to make sure that even if I am nervous, I want to make sure to enjoy myself. And I did well.”
Isabeau Levito
USA’s Isabeau Levito delivered an elegant and clean short to “Moon River,” placing third with a new season’s best of 73.33. The 2024 World silver medalist produced a triple flip-triple toe and double Axel, but the triple Lutz received an edge call. All spins and footwork were graded a level four. She was both happy and relieved, especially given that she felt her season was over after being sidelined from a foot injury before U.S. Nationals.
“To be honest, the injury kind of traumatized me a little bit,” Levito offered. “But I’m so grateful for everyone who helped me, and for my federation for believing in me and supporting me to make it here. That moment when I finished my program was incredibly emotional. I’m really glad I got to perform this program one more time this season because I love it so much. I haven’t decided yet, but I definitely wouldn’t mind keeping this program for another season.”
Levito’s free skate to Liebesträume was highlighted by beautiful level-four spins and footwork. However, she fell on her opening triple flip-triple toe combo and also received an edge call on both triple Lutz jumps. The triple loop and triple salchow were clean, as was the triple flip-double Axel sequence, and the five-time Grand Prix medalist placed fifth with 136.51 points. With a total score of 209.84, she slipped off the podium to fourth place overall in her third appearance at this event.
“After that initial mistake, I wanted to leave the ice, but I kept fighting,” said the 18-year-old. “I’m so glad I kept pushing through each element. ”
“What I always remember is that in 2014, when Yuzuru Hanyu first won the Olympics, he fell a couple of times during his skate, but he didn’t ever give up and in the end, still won,” she recalled. “So I’m always thinking, what if he would have given up? That’s what I always think, and I’m so glad I kept fighting until the very end.”
Levito also expressed her love for the American women’s team. “We really lift each other up and cheer for each other.”
Amber Glenn
USA’s Amber Glenn fell on a triple Axel attempt in the short program, but refused to let the rest of the program go. She quickly recovered to nail a triple flip-triple toe and triple loop. Two spins were graded a level four and she found herself in ninth place (67.65) going into the free skate.
“I’m obviously very disappointed right now. It’s always hard to come back after a fall,” said the 25-year-old. “My coach, Damon Allen, told me after the skate that he was proud of me for pulling through with the rest of the performance, but of course, I’m still disappointed.”
The 2024-25 Grand Prix Final champion delivered an inspiring free skate to “I Will Find You” and “The Return,” hanging on to her opening triple Axel. She then reeled of a very good triple flip-triple toe, but then landed the front end of a triple Lutz-double toe on the quarter. She also doubled a flip in the second half, but smiled throughout as the crowd cheered her one. Aside from the triple Axel, she landed a total of five solid triple jumps and earned a level four on all three spins. She posted a score of 138.00 for fourth place in this segment and rose to fifth place overall with a total score of 205.65 points.
The two-time U.S. Champion was proud that there was at least one American on the podium.
“Love our team! We are all very supportive of each other, and these other two girls are just very funny,” she said of her teammates. “Today was okay. I think all my mental training really paid off. The crowd was incredibly supportive. Also, after my mistakes, I really appreciated that.”
When asked if she liked sitting on the leader chair for so long, Glenn replied: “Not really. It’s been long, it’s been awkward, and the lights were very bright.”
Wakaba Higuchi
Japan’s Wakaba Higuchi delivered a solid and dramatic short program to music from Dune. The 2018 World silver medalist brought the crowd to their feet at the end of powerful routine which featured a double Axel, triple Lutz-triple toe and triple flip. Her spins and footwork garnered a level four, and she finished fourth with a new season’s best of 72.10.
“My performance today was the best for this season so far I felt,” said 24-year-old. “I haven’t checked the detailed scores and levels yet, but my jumps were really good I thought. I was nervous a bit, but I felt so good today. I was skating in sixth in a group, so I was able to switch my mood after the six-minute warm up. I think this was my best short program performance, including run-throughs in the practice, recently.”
The 2024 Skate America champion delivered a dramatic routine to “Nature Boy” and “Running Up That Hill” for sixth place in the free skate (132.48). She underrotated the back end of a triple Lutz-triple toe and stepped out of a triple loop, but landed a total of four solid triple jumps. She also displayed excellent level-footwork which received high GOEs, as well as two level-four spins. With a total score of 204.58, she placed sixth overall.
“I was not able to compete at Worlds for the last two years, so coming to a big event was one of my big goals in this season,” said the Japanese bronze medalist. “I think I was able to give the performance I was hoping for, so I’m happy. Unfortunately, the score was a bit lower than I expected, so I need to check the detailed judging sheet and make improvements for the next season.”
Nina Pinzarrone
Nina Pinzarrone of Belgium appeared composed and focused in her short program to Swan Lake. The two-time European bronze medalist slightly underrotated the back end of a triple Lutz-triple toe, but the double Axel and triple loop were solid. All three spins and footwork received a level four, with the layback spin receiving very high GOEs, and she scored a new season’s best of 67.74 for eighth place.
Pinzarrone admitted to being nervous, but said she tried to hide it as best she could.
“I reminded myself that everyone here is feeling the same pressure, and right now, I feel very, very relieved,” she said. “I know the Olympic spots are on the line, and I understand that Belgium has high expectations for me. But I really try not to focus on that too much. I am here to do my very best, and of course I want to secure as many spots as possible, for myself and for Loena (Hendrickx).”
The two-time Grand Prix medalist placed seventh with a new season’s best (131.69) for her innovative free skate “Escapes Within” and “Nocturne in D-flat Major ‘Un rêve.'” Her routine included four solid triple jumps and very good level four spins. She moved up one spot to seventh place overall with a total score of 199.43.
The Belgian champ was both thrilled and relieved to make the top 10 and secure to spots for her country.
“I’m just so, so, so, so happy about it!” said the 18-year-old. “I tried not to keep it in my mind too much, but of course, it was always there, and I’m just so happy. To be honest, at the beginning of my program today, I was so out of it, I thought I would forget the entire program. Also, the arena was so loud, which was understandable because Amber did amazing. I really thought I would forget my entire program, but once I did the first jump, I was able to settle and continue and got into my program. I’m so glad with how I did today!”
“Next season will be a very exciting one,” she added. “I am not really sure right now what I will do next week, but in two weeks, I will go to France to do two new programs with Benoit (Richaud). I’m also looking forward to some vacation in Sicily. I have family there, and I haven’t seen them for seven years, so I’m excited to go there and very excited to prepare for the Olympic season.”
Niina Petrokina
Estonia’s Niina Petrokina was 12th (65.58) in the short program after only doubling the back end of a triple Lutz-triple toe. The program was well-choreographed, but the level of competition was high.
The 2025 European champion said it was a bit tough after Europeans due to all the media attention.
“Before Road to Milano, I barely had time for normal practices,” she revealed. “But after that, I tried to pull myself together and get ready for Worlds. It’s very important for me to show that my success wasn’t just a one-time thing. But honestly, I wasn’t very nervous, I felt okay, even though I understand that more eyes are on me now.”
“I’m thinking of keeping one of my programs for next season,” the 20-year-old added. “I haven’t fully decided yet, but it’s something I’m considering. I’m also really looking forward to supporting Mihhail (Selevko) tomorrow. Being part of the Estonian team means a lot to me, and I’m excited to cheer him on.”
Petrokina showed determination in her free skate to “Paul’s Dream” from Dune, landing a total of five triple jumps. The only errors came when landed the first triple flip on the quarter and she stepped out of the second. She also didn’t complete all positions in a spin which received a “V”, but the other two spins were graded a level four. She finished seventh in the free skate and moved up four spots to eighth overall (131.09 / 196.67).
“Right after I finished my performance, I was like, ‘Yes, the season is over! Finally, I can get some rest!” she said. “I think I really need that. But I really think it was a good skate and I’m really happy about it.”
“Ahead of the performance, Katia Kurakova came to me and told me this is an amazing audience, they are very supportive, and that I should enjoy it, and that really helped me a lot,” she added. “So, thanks to Katia for the support. I’m very happy to be in the top 10 and secure a second spot for someone to go to the qualifier. That was also a goal of mine.”
The skater from Tallinn already has a new short program in mind, alluding that it was going to be a different style for her. She plans to keep her free skate but may make some changes.
Haein Lee
Haein Lee of the Republic of Korea placed seventh in the short with a new season’s best of 67.79. Her short program to “Ave Maria” featured a triple Lutz-triple toe, double Axel and triple flip. The only mistake was an edge call on the flip, but all spins and footwork were graded a level four.
Lee was thrilled that she landed all her jumps despite being nervous due her boots hurting her feet.
“I’m glad I managed to pull it together,” she said. “My experience from previous World Championships also helped me a lot. Before my skate, my coach said some very comforting words, and that made a big difference. The level in Korean skating is very high, so I wasn’t sure at the Korean Nationals if I would be able to qualify here, but now I’m very happy. I just wanted to do my best, and I’m really glad that I was able to make it here.”
The 2023 World silver medalist delivered an elegant and lyrical free skate to music by Ursine Vulpine and Annaca. She turned out the opening triple Lutz and underrotated a triple toe and triple flip, but showed good level four spins and footwork. She finished 10th in the free skate and ninth overall (126.57 / 194.36).
“I was so nervous today, so I really think I want to work on my mental game going into next season,” said the 19-year-old. “I’m so grateful to my fans and to the audience, and I’m just so grateful to be here and to be on the world stage.”
“I did see a lot of teammates here cry, and I do want to give them good energy to tell them it’s not the end, and they can keep going,” she added. “That’s also what my mom told me after I didn’t make the Olympic team in 2022. My parents told me, ‘This is not the end. There will be something new coming.'”
Chaeyeon Kim
Chaeyeon Kim of the Republic of Korea opened her short program with a solid double Axel but fell on the back end of a triple Lutz-triple toe that was underrotated. She recovered to land a very good triple flip and received a level four on two spins and the footwork. However, the mistake was costly, and she found herself in 11th place (65.67).
“I was actually very nervous today,” confessed the 18-year-old, who struggled with the jump combination in the warmup. “I feel like because of all the good results I’ve had recently, I might have been a little overconfident. That overconfidence got to me, and it affected my performance. Over the next two days, I’m going to focus on the mistakes I made today during training. I’ll work on improving my focus so that I can deliver a stronger performance in the free program.”
The 2024 World bronze medalist showed lots of expression in her free skate to “Whisperers from the Heart” and “Love Dance.” Here performance was highlighted by very good level-four spins and she landed a total of five clean triple jumps. However, she underrotated and put a foot down on an underrotated triple Lutz and stepped out of the back end of a triple flip-double toe. She placed ninth (128.49) in this segment and 10th overall (194.16).
“Overall, I was nervous, but a little less than yesterday,” said the 2025 Four Continents Champion. “I focused on everything but gave special attention to the combination in the second half. The second combo didn’t work out perfectly, so I’m a bit disappointed about that part, but also relieved that it’s over. I want to work on my mindset and continue improving every element as I prepare for the Olympics. I think I’ll use new music next year and make some changes.”
Rounding out the top 12
Madeline Schizas of Canada slipped from sixth place to 11th overall with a season’s best total of 190.79 points.
“I’m okay. I fought today,” said the 22-year-old. “Training’s been going very well, and I am proud of myself. Of course, missing out on the top ten so closely is a little bit frustrating right now. The level is incredibly high here. Of all my other world championships that I participated in, the score I did today would have been enough for the top ten, but that’s something that is out of my control.”
“I am so looking forward to the World Team Trophy,” she added. “I love competing in a team. I loved competing in Japan, and it also should be a good preparation for the Olympic team event.”
The Canadian champ also plans to keep her free skate for next season.
Kimmy Repond of Switzerland finished 12th (183.33) in her third appearance at this event.
“I’m a little bit disappointed,” admitted the 2023 European bronze medalist. “I’m very relieved that I stayed in 12th and secured the two spots for the Olympics next season. It’s going to be an important one.”
The 18-year-old plans to go to Mexico on vacation before going to Toronto to mount two new programs with David Wilson.
Lara Naki Gutmann of Italy finished 13th (181.97) ahead of Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina (181.36).
Georgia’s Anastasiia Gubanova, Xiangyi An of China and Ahsun Yun of the Republic of Korea did not qualify for the free skate.
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