Skate America 2025: “I didn’t cry,” jokes an emotional Alysa Liu
In her Skate America debut, 20-year-old Liu is still seeking the first Grand Prix title of her burgeoning career, which exploded last season when she stunned to the world title in nearby Boston – just months after a brief two-year retirement.
The Bay Area native has returned to both of her world-winning programs from last season, though she’s still considering switching to a Lady Gaga-themed free skate after Skate America.
She revealed little about why she was indeed so emotional as she followed her skater: “I didn’t cry; I didn’t cry, guys,” she told reporters with a grin.
Watanabe earned a whopping 9.60 points for her triple Axel, which opened her short program “Tango Roxanne”. She also has two more triple Axels planned for the free skate.
“It’s all about repetition; the more you keep doing it, the better it is,” Watanabe explains. “There’s a psychological aspect; that’s why it’s a lot more consistent 1763273020. It is also the fifth year since I put the triple Axel into competition.”
It was a strong night for American Star Andrews (sixth place; 64.38) and 2023 world medalist Lee Haeinwith Starr wowing her home audience in a Beyonce ‘Run the World’ program.
Lee appears to be back in form for the Korean women – another competitive race for the Olympics – after returning to two previous programs earlier this season.
“I was so nervous,” she said in English. “I am satisfied with my performance. I am happy to be part of it [Korean] nationals; That gives me the opportunity to go to the Olympics.”
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