BOSTON — Alysa Liu let out a shocked smile Friday night ... Liu, 19, leapfrogged three-time defending world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan to win the gold with a total score of 222.97.

Alysa Liu, a 19-year-old figure skater, became the first American woman in 19 years to win a world figure skating title, defeating three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto from Japan at the 2025 ...

Alysa Liu, a 19-year-old figure skater, became the first American woman in 19 years to win a world figure skating title, defeating three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto from Japan at the 2025 ...

It’s a comeback that had looked so unlikely, even Alysa Liu’s coaches tried to talk the American teenager out of returning.

Alysa Liu makes history by becoming the first American woman in 19 years to have a figure skating world title.

Alysa Liu makes history by becoming the first American woman in 19 years to have a figure skating world title.