American figure skating sensation Alysa Liu has dazzled the world this year, capturing a World Championships gold and her first ISU Grand Prix title at Skate America in November. Now, Liu is dreaming even bigger, aiming for the Winter Olympics next year, just four years after making history as the youngest US athlete on the 2022 Olympic team.
After delivering a standout performance at the ISU Grand Prix Final in Japan on Dec. 5, Liu opened up about her emotions as she pursues her first senior Grand Prix Final crown.
What Message Did Alysa Liu Share After Competing At Grand Prix Final?
Liu competed in the women’s short program on Dec. 5, where she finished second after recording a career-best score of 75.79. She is currently behind Japan’s Chiba Mone by 1.48 points (77.27). She is ahead of Nakai Ami (73.91), with the free skate and final events scheduled for Dec. 6 and 7, respectively.
The reigning world champion skated to “Promise,” by Laufey, and performed a triple flip-double Axel and executed her planned triple Lutz-triple loop combination, which was slightly under-rotated.
According to Olympics.com, Liu expressed her feelings after her performance. “This is definitely the best short program I’ve put out this season. I made a goal with my coaches that I wanted to do a better triple Lutz-triple loop from other competitions. This was a better one. It wasn’t perfect, like I do in practice, but it was closer, so I’ll take it.” she said.
Liu also added that one of her goals in the program was to be in control of her breathing, which helped her with her performance. “It’s really silly, but it’s super easy to just forget and get lost in your choreography. Breathing is part of your movement. So I really breathed throughout my program.”
The free skate kicks off at 21:14 Japan Standard Time, or 7:15 a.m. ET on Dec. 6. The excitement continues the following day with the exhibition gala, where Liu is expected to shine among the top finishers from every discipline.
When Can Liu Earn Her Olympic Spot?
Liu is blazing a trail toward the Olympics next year, wowing audiences with her performances all season. Yet, one final hurdle remains before she can secure her ticket to Milan.
After the Grand Prix Final, the last major tournament before the Olympics, Liu will compete at the US Championships from Jan. 4 to 11 in St. Louis, Missouri. There, she will be looking to earn one of three Olympic spots in women’s singles as part of Team USA.
Liu’s teammate, Amber Glenn, is also in the hunt for an Olympic berth. Glenn finished sixth in the women’s short program with a score of 66.85 and, as the reigning Grand Prix Final Champion, is determined to reclaim her crown on Dec. 6.