Newly minted women’s world champion Alysa Liu edged the previous titleholder, Sakamoto Kaori, by a slim 0.16 points to top the women’s short program in Winter Olympic figure skating at the ISU World Team Trophy 2025. Her 75.70-point performance not only placed her at the top of the leaderboard but also helped Team USA gain a narrow lead over host nation Japan after Day 1 of competition at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
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Winter Olympic Figure Skating Momentum Builds
Liu, 19, has been riding high since her unexpected gold at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston just three weeks ago. Many had considered her win a surprise, but the American teen is quickly showing the skating world that she’s no one-hit wonder. With a clean, confident skate in Tokyo, Liu reaffirmed her position as a top contender heading into the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026.
I feel like I did a good enough performance to hopefully get my team some extra points, Liu said with a smile. “And I’m really glad that I did a clean program today because I watched everybody else and they all did phenomenal jobs. I just wanted to keep the momentum going and I’m glad I did. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Olympic Figure Skating Zagitova, Shcherbakova to Appear at Ice Show in Japan
Her program, featuring a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination and crisp spins, was delivered with charm and musicality, traits that have come to define her skating this season. Her improved artistry, refined skating skills, and newfound maturity on the ice have made her one of the most exciting athletes to watch this season.
Sakamoto Shines on Home Ice in Tight Winter Olympic Figure Skating Duel
Sakamoto Kaori, the 2022 World Winter Olympic Figure skating Champion and an Olympic medalist from Beijing, was solid in her own right, scoring 75.54 to finish just behind Liu. The 24-year-old crowd favorite received thunderous applause from the home crowd, her performance marked by her signature power and flow. While she was edged out on the scoresheet, the margin was razor-thin—just 0.16 points—and the rivalry between the two champions is shaping up to be one of the highlights of this event and the upcoming Winter Olympic season.

I did everything I planned, Sakamoto said in the mixed zone. I felt strong, and the audience really lifted me. I know the margin was close, but that just motivates me more for the free skate.
Sakamoto’s program had its own strengths—a high-speed step sequence, explosive jumps, and a strong interpretation of the music. Her experience shows, and her ability to perform under pressure remains unmatched. Though narrowly in second, she remains a threat to take the overall title in the free skate.
Liu’s Balanced Approach Pays Off: Freshness Over Perfection
Perhaps the most impressive part of Liu’s performance was the fact that she went into the event with minimal preparation. After her emotional high in Boston, Liu confessed she took a step back from intense training.
I’ll be honest, I did maybe one free skate total in between, she admitted. I really felt the competition come down. I was so tired. I slept a lot and I felt that if I was hard at training, that I’d be too tired here. So I kept it really easy, hoping I could just hold on a little bit longer for this.
That low-key approach might have been just what she needed. Liu’s freshness translated to a calm, composed performance—something she says is more important than chasing perfection.
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There’s so much pressure in skating, and after Worlds, I just wanted to enjoy this, she said. I didn’t want to burn out right before the season was officially over. Her attitude reflects a growing maturity, a balance between ambition and self-care that many young athletes struggle to find. With her sights set on Milan-Cortina, Liu seems to have discovered a formula that works.

Team USA Takes Early Lead, Thanks to Liu’s Strong Performance
With Liu’s first-place finish and solid showings from teammates like Ilia Malinin, who dominated the men’s short program, Team USA leads the standings with 35 points. Japan sits just behind at 33, while South Korea trails with 29. It’s a tight race, and with the free skates and ice dance segments still to come, nothing is guaranteed. Still, Liu’s contribution on the first day was critical in putting the Americans ahead.
She’s a firecracker, said U.S. team coach Adam Rippon, who was beaming in the kiss-and-cry after Liu’s score was posted. “We knew she had something special, and now the whole world sees it. Rippon, a 2018 Winter Olympic medalist himself, praised the team atmosphere and the support the skaters are showing one another. That’s what this event is about—teamwork, spirit, energy. And Alysa brought all of that to the table today.
Liu’s Confidence Grows as Winter Olympic 2026 Looms
As the Winter Olympic 2026 creep closer, performances like Liu’s are starting to shape the narrative of who could stand atop the Olympic podium. While veterans like Sakamoto remain strong contenders, Liu’s upward trajectory is impossible to ignore. She’s coming into her own, Rippon added. What we’re seeing now is Alysa with confidence—not just talent. That’s a powerful combination.
The World Team Trophy also acts as a crucial testing ground for Olympic contenders. Skaters get to experience performing in a team format under pressure, which closely mirrors the Olympic team event format. It’s also an opportunity to gauge how skaters handle back-to-back competitions, travel, and high expectations. For Liu, the goal remains simple: consistency, enjoyment, and team spirit. This is such a fun event. We all cheer for each other, and it’s not about winning alone—it’s about helping each other, she said. That’s what makes it special.

Winter Olympic 2026: The Final Showdown Liu and Sakamoto Set for Thrilling Free Skate
The women’s free skate will take place on Saturday (19 April), and all eyes will once again be on the Liu-Sakamoto showdown. With just fractions separating them, every element will count—and the pressure is only growing.
Also scheduled for Saturday are the pairs and ice dance free programs, where teams will have the chance to seal the win or slip behind in the standings. For Liu, it’s about staying grounded and skating with heart. But for now, Alysa Liu stands at the top, just as she did in Boston. And if this week is any indication, she may not be coming down anytime soon.
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