In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Figure Skating World Championships in Boston, American Alysa Liu captured the gold medal, marking a triumphant return to the sport after a brief hiatus. The competition, held at TD Garden, saw a display of exceptional talent, with Amber Glenn delivering a dazzling performance and Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, making a strong statement. However, it was Liu who ultimately stole the show, dominating both the short program and the free skate to secure her first world championship title with a score of 222.97. Sakamoto took silver with 217.98, and Japan’s Mone Chiba claimed bronze.

Liu's victory fulfills a prophecy that once surrounded her as a 13-year-old, when she became the youngest woman to win gold at the U.S. Championships in 2019. Her early success marked her as a prodigy and the future of American women's figure skating. After a period of challenges and a brief retirement following a bronze medal at the world championships, Liu, now 19, has returned to the ice with renewed vigor.

"I have no words. I never thought I would do such a program," Liu expressed on NBC, reflecting on her performance. "This is the best program I’ve ever done." Her performance has likely solidified her place in the American team for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

The competition wasn't without its setbacks for other athletes. Amber Glenn's hopes were dashed after a fall in the short program, while Isabeau Levito, despite a strong short program, stumbled in her free skate, impacting her chances at a medal. Levito finished fourth, but managed to smile despite the disappointment.

Sakamoto's journey to the silver medal was marked by emotional moments. After finishing fifth in the short program, she delivered a compelling free skate, only to watch Liu surpass her. Sakamoto, gracious in defeat, congratulated Liu with a heartfelt hug.

Liu's victory marks a significant moment for American figure skating and positions her as a strong contender for the Winter Olympics. "Personally, I can be so much better," Liu noted, viewing this season as a foundation for future growth. Sakamoto also sees the experience as valuable, motivating her as she looks ahead to the Olympics.

In other events, Madison Chock and Evan Bates made a strong start in the ice dance competition, leading after the rhythm dance. They are aiming for their third consecutive world title, but face stiff competition from Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier.