Alysa Liu has made history at the 2025 Saatva Skate America, securing her first Grand Prix gold medal with a stunning performance. The event, held in Lake Placid, New York, showcased Liu's exceptional talent and resilience, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Liu's victory was not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for the United States figure skating community. She is the first U.S. woman to win at Skate America since Mariah Bell in 2020, a feat that underscores her growing dominance in the sport. The competition was fierce, with Japan's Rinka Watanabe and Georgia's Anastasiia Gubanova closely following Liu, securing the silver and bronze medals respectively.
Liu's performance was particularly impressive in the free skate, where she delivered a season-best score of 140.54. This outstanding achievement not only secured her the gold medal but also cemented her spot in the upcoming ISU Grand Prix Final. Her victory was part of a remarkable day for U.S. figure skaters, as Madison Chock and Evan Bates also clinched the ice dance title.
The historic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid provided a fitting backdrop for Liu's triumph. The arena, known for its rich history in figure skating, added an extra layer of significance to her win. Liu's journey to the top has been marked by dedication and hard work, and her victory at Skate America 2025 is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport.
As the reigning world champion, Liu's performance at Skate America 2025 has set a high bar for the upcoming competitions, including the Milan-Cortina D'Ampezzo 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but also a significant moment for the U.S. figure skating team, showcasing their strength and potential on the global stage.
