Alysa Liu Triumphs at Grand Prix Final, Signaling Strong Olympic Comeback
TOKYO, Japan — Alysa Liu, the American figure skating prodigy, captured the gold medal at the Grand Prix Final on Saturday, narrowly defeating Japan’s rising star Ami Nakai by less than two points. This victory marks Liu’s second international medal in 2025 and sets a confident tone as she prepares to return to the Olympic ice at the Milano-Cortina Games in February.
Liu’s performance in Japan was a testament to her resilience and determination. “My performance definitely does give me confidence in my stamina and in my consistency,” Liu told Olympics.com. “I think a lot of things can happen between now and the Olympics. I still have nationals — they still have nationals — and I will be working.”
Once hailed as a rising star after becoming the youngest U.S. national champion at just 13 in 2019, Liu’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. She competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics amid intense scrutiny due to a federal investigation related to Chinese espionage targeting her and her father. Her father’s activism during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests had drawn unwanted attention from Chinese intelligence, leading to heightened security measures during the Games. According to the U.S. Department of State, Liu was provided with escorts at all times for her safety.
Despite these challenges, Liu finished sixth in the women’s singles competition and earned a bronze medal in the team event. After the Olympics, she briefly retired from competitive skating, citing a desire to experience a more typical college life and to rediscover her passion for the sport on her own terms.
Her comeback began in early 2025, inspired by a ski trip that reignited her competitive spirit. Liu’s return to the ice has been closely followed by fans and officials alike, with the U.S. Figure Skating Association noting her remarkable progress and dedication.
Saturday’s Grand Prix Final victory not only underscores Liu’s technical skill and artistic growth but also symbolizes a powerful personal comeback. Her narrow win over Nakai, a formidable competitor from Japan, highlights the intense competition that awaits at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
As Liu continues her preparations, she remains focused on maintaining consistency and building momentum. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has expressed strong support for her, emphasizing her role as a key figure in the American figure skating team.
With the Milano-Cortina Olympics just months away, Alysa Liu’s journey from a young champion, through adversity and retirement, to a triumphant return, stands as one of the most compelling stories in the world of winter sports. Her gold medal at the Grand Prix Final is a promising indicator that she is ready to compete at the highest level once again.
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