Alysa Liu becomes the first U.S. woman to win a world title since 2006, after having returned to international competition only last October, her first since winning a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships.

Alysa Liu never expected to win the world championships. After all, the 19-year-old figure skater retired from the sport three years ago, only returning to training again a year ago and international competition six months ago.

Liu became the first American world champion since Kimmie Meissner stood atop the podium in 2006. Levito and Amber Glenn scored three spots for the Americans at the 2026 Winter Olympics.