Alysa Liu leads U.S. Figure Skating Championships after return

Alysa Liu made a stunning return to competitive skating at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, scoring 76.36 points in the short program, which puts her in the lead ahead of two-time champion Bradie Tennell and defending champion Amber Glenn. Liu, who walked away from skating in 2022 to focus on her studies at UCLA, has matured significantly during her time away, according to her former coach Philip DiGuglielmo. Her performance, infused with emotional depth, was described as 'breathtaking' and left the audience in standing ovation. Liu's comeback marks her first major competition since her retirement, and she is seen as a strong contender for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Games and world championships in Boston. The pairs competition also saw Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam excel, scoring 77.19 points, leading them into the free skate. The championships serve as a pivotal event for selecting the U.S. teams for international competitions ahead.