In the dazzling realm of figure skating, Alysa Liu has carved out a remarkable niche for herself. Her journey is punctuated with numerous victories, each achieved at a young age, making her a true prodigy of the ice.
The Youngest U.S. National Champion
In 2019, the figure skating world was astounded when Alysa Liu claimed her first U.S. national title. The most astonishing part? She was just 13 years old. This achievement not only catapulted her into the spotlight but also made her the youngest - ever U.S. women's national champion. At such a tender age, Liu showcased a level of skill, poise, and determination that was far beyond her years. Her performances were a blend of technical brilliance and artistic expression, with jumps that seemed to defy gravity and spins that were executed with precision.
Defending Her Title at 14
A year after her first national triumph, in 2020, Liu once again dominated the U.S. championships. At 14, she became the youngest skater to win two senior national titles. This consecutive victory was a testament to her consistent hard work and unwavering focus. She continued to push the boundaries of her abilities, adding more complex elements to her programs and further refining her skating style. By winning back - to - back titles, she joined an elite group of skaters, becoming the first woman to do so since Ashley Wagner in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, she emulated Mirai Nagasu's feat of winning the junior and senior titles back - to - back, which Nagasu had accomplished in 2008.
Junior - Level Success
Before her senior - level glory, Liu had already made a name for herself at the junior level. In 2018, at the age of 12, she won the U.S. junior national championship. This was a significant milestone in her career, as it marked her emergence as a top - tier junior skater. Her performances at the junior level were characterized by her fearless approach to difficult jumps, including her mastery of the triple axel. In 2019 - 20, as a junior, she also won a silver medal at the Junior Grand Prix Final. Her ability to compete at such a high level against her international peers at a young age was a clear indication of her potential for future success.
World Championships and Olympic - Related Achievements
In 2022, at the age of 16, Liu had a memorable performance at the World Championships. Despite the intense competition, she managed to secure a bronze medal. This was a remarkable achievement, especially considering the caliber of skaters she was up against. Her bronze - medal - winning performance was a display of her resilience and growth as a skater.
Although she didn't win at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, her participation at the age of 16 was a significant moment in her career. She landed seven triple jumps in her free skate and finished seventh overall. Her performance at the Olympics was a stepping - stone in her journey, further solidifying her position as one of the top figure skaters in the world.
A Comeback and World Title at 19
After a hiatus from the sport, Liu made a sensational comeback. In 2025, at the age of 19, she claimed the women's world title in Boston. Her victory was a fairy - tale return, as she had retired from the sport at the young age of 16 after winning a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships. Her free - skate routine was a captivating display of her talent, with a performance that delighted the home crowd at TD Garden and edged out Japan's three - time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto. This world title victory at 19 added another glorious chapter to her already impressive career, showing that her talent and determination knew no bounds, regardless of the time away from the ice.
In conclusion, Alysa Liu's age at the time of her victories is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. From her early triumphs as a junior and young senior to her recent comeback world title, she has consistently defied expectations and inspired a new generation of figure skaters.