Alysa Liu leads US to gold at World Team Trophy
Share and Follow


The United States finished the three-day competition with 126 points, 16 ahead of Japan. Italy was third with 86 points to claim its first ever medal in the event.

TOKYO, Japan — World champion Alysa Liu produced a flawless routine in the women’s free skate as the United States won its sixth gold medal at the figure skating World Team Trophy on Saturday.

Skating to “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer, the 19-year-old Liu landed seven triple jumps for a personal-best score of 150.97 points. Teammate Amber Glenn was second with 148.93.

Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto was third with 145.00.

The United States finished the three-day competition with 126 points, 16 ahead of Japan. Italy was third with 86 points to claim its first ever medal in the event.

“We are just beaming. I’m so insanely proud of my team and everyone,” U.S. skater Jason Brown said. “It’s been such an incredible season, and to end it here has been so special.”

Liu’s previous best free skate score was 148.39 only last month at the world championships in Boston.

“I was a little bit happier after my free skate at worlds but I’ll take this one,” Liu said. “I only ran it one time before coming here, so I wasn’t expecting that. And I’m happy I could put out a good enough score for my team.”

Glenn also posted a personal best, which featured a triple axel.

“It’s been consistent in practice, and I even did it in shows here in Japan,” Glenn said. “It’s something I feel I’m able to do when I’m in the right place and I was today.”

The U.S. has medaled at every biennial World Team Trophy since its inception in 2009 and has won six of the nine competitions.

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won the pairs free skate as the host nation cut the Americans’ lead to 11 points, but the dominant performances by Glenn and Liu clinched gold for the U.S.

The U.S. headed into the final day with a 15-point lead over Japan after victories in the men’s and ice dance competitions on Friday.

Two-time world champion Ilia Malinin won the men’s free skate to solidify the overall lead for the Americans. Malinin landed four quads in his program to “I’m Not a Vampire,” scoring 183.88 points.

Ice dance world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates won the free dance segment. The three-time world ice dance champions received 12 points after a season’s best score of 133.51

The World Team Trophy features the top six figure skating teams. France was fourth, followed by Canada and Georgia.

AP sports: 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Grandma who beat cancer five times is gunned down on Christmas Day

Tragic Christmas Day: Inspirational Grandma, Cancer Survivor, Fatally Shot

Tragically, a seasoned survivor who had conquered cancer five times lost her…
Deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey kills one, critically injures another

Tragic Helicopter Collision in New Jersey Results in One Fatality, Leaves Another in Critical Condition

A tragic helicopter accident in Hammonton, New Jersey, resulted in one fatality…
Butcher behind 'some of the most brutal crimes in human history'

Infamous Butcher Linked to History’s Grisliest Crimes Uncovered

In the public eye, he was the picture of composure and assurance,…
Unsung heroes of 2025: First responders and everyday Americans who saved lives across US

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of 2025: How First Responders and Everyday Americans United to Save Lives Nationwide

In a year overshadowed by calamity and destruction, it was the quiet…
Trump welcomes Zelenskyy for talks, asserts Russia and Ukraine both want peace, however elusive

Trump Hosts Zelenskyy: Asserts Mutual Desire for Peace Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Tensions

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed optimism…
TSA's union distractions thwart air safety — so Trump is stepping in

Trump Intervenes as TSA Union Disputes Impact Air Safety

This festive season, around 18 million Americans are relying on the Transportation…
Major cities see violent crime surge as national rates plummet significantly in 2025: survey

2025 Crime Trends: Major Cities Experience Surge Amidst Nationwide Decline, Survey Reveals

While the nation breathed a sigh of relief with a decline in…
Where Todd Bowles stands with Buccaneers as season spirals

Evaluating Todd Bowles’ Position Amidst Buccaneers’ Challenging Season

Despite the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggling with a below .500 record, head…