Skate America 2025: “I didn’t cry,” quips emotional Alysa Liu
In her Skate America debut, the 20-year-old Liu is still seeking the first Grand Prix title of her burgeoning career, which exploded last season when she stunned for the world title in nearby Boston – just months after a brief, two-year retirement.
The Bay Area native has returned to both of her Worlds-winning programs from last season, though she’s still considering a switch to a Lady Gaga-themed free skate after Skate America.
She revealed little about why she was, indeed, so emotional, following her skater: “I didn’t cry; I didn’t cry guys,” she told reporters with a smirk.
Watanabe earned a whopping 9.60 points for her triple Axel, which opened her “Tango Roxanne” short program. She has two more triple Axels planned for the free skate, too.
“It’s all about repetition; the more you keep doing it, the better it is,” Watanabe explained. “There’s a psychological aspect; which is why it’s a lot more consistent 1763284341. It’s also the fifth year since I’ve put the triple Axel in competition.”
It was a strong night for American Starr Andrews (sixth place; 64.38) and 2023 world medallist Lee Haein, with Starr wowing her home crowd in a Beyonce “Run the World” program.
Lee appears back to fighting shape among the Korean women – another competitive race for the Olympics – having switched back to two previous programs earlier this season.
“I was so nervous,” she said in English. “I’m pleased about my performance. I’m happy to be a part of [Korean] nationals; that gives me a chance to go to the Olympics.”
AloJapan.com