Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater, achieved a personal milestone by winning the gold medal at the 2025 Skate America held in Lake Placid, New York, on November 16, 2025. Despite her own reservations about her performance, Liu’s impressive free skate solidified her place at the top of the podium, marking a significant achievement in her skating career.
As she concluded her routine, the crowd erupted in applause, prompting Liu to cover her face in disbelief. “In my opinion, I did not skate that good,” she reflected after the competition, noting a few mistakes that she believed affected her score. Nevertheless, her final score of 140.54 was enough to secure her first Skate America victory and continue her journey toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
Emotional Performances Lead to Success
The competition began for Liu with an emotional short program on November 15, where she received a standing ovation from the audience after showcasing her skills and passion on the ice. Despite finishing in second place initially, just shy of Rinka Watanabe of Japan, who scored 141.00, Liu’s determination shone through in her free skate.
Performing to her beloved “MacArthur Park Suite,” Liu executed her routine with precision, even as she felt less than satisfied with her performance. “My body just moves with the music,” Liu said, expressing her fondness for the program. Her victory at Skate America adds to a remarkable year, following her win at the world championship in March and a second-place finish at the Cup of China.
This win not only marks Liu’s first Grand Prix victory but also positions her as a strong contender for the upcoming Olympic Games. The United States has not seen a female skater win a medal in the singles event since Sasha Cohen in 2006, making Liu’s success particularly significant for American figure skating.
Chock and Bates Shine in Ice Dance
In addition to Liu’s triumph, the American ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates achieved a remarkable first-place finish at Skate America. This accomplishment further emphasizes a successful day for American figure skaters. Chock and Bates showcased a powerful rhythm dance performance, earning a score of 84.77, which put them comfortably ahead of their competitors.
During their free dance performance, the pair impressed the audience with a dramatic paso doble, scoring 127.81. Their total of 212.58 points secured them the championship, marking their fifth Skate America title and tying the event record previously held by Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto.
Chock and Bates, now in their second season as a married couple, are also looking forward to competing at the Grand Prix finals. Their success this season follows a victory at the Cup of China just weeks prior, and they aim to continue their winning streak as they prepare for a potential fourth Olympic appearance.
As American figure skating looks toward the future, Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates are leading the charge, bringing renewed hope for success on the international stage. With Liu’s determination to improve and the strong performances from Chock and Bates, the upcoming months promise to be exciting for fans and athletes alike.
