Russias dominance in womens figure skating has been indisputable since 2015, with the nation cleaning up title after title. But the long-running winning streak could soon be broken with the emergence of US star Alysa Liu.
The 13-year-old talent, who became the youngest US skater to claim the national title, threatens to shatter Russias dominant positions in the womens field with the technically-gifted skating she has demonstrated at junior level.
READ MORE: Russias next star? 11yo figure skating prodigy Sofia Akatyeva lands quad
In January, Liu stole the show at the US Figure Skating Championships, producing a mature performance that belied her tender years. She landed two triple axels to edge compatriot Bradie Tennell for the national crown.
Liu became the youngest skater to win the national title, breaking the seemingly unbeatable record set by Tara Lipinski, who triumphed at the national contest at the age of 14.
Lipinski, who worked at the championship as a commentator, praised Liu for her remarkable achievement, expressing no regret that her long-standing record had been broken.
"Records are made to be broken. It is quite an honor that she is the one to do it. What a phenomenal talent," the 1998 Olympic champion said.
Along with extremely complicated triple axels, the newly-crowned US champion is training quadruple jumps which have been performed only by Russian coach Eteri Tutberidzes skaters so far.
READ MORE: Olympic champ Zagitova skated with severe blisters at nationals, photos reveal
The renowned trainer has several skaters on her tRead More – Source
Russias dominance in womens figure skating has been indisputable since 2015, with the nation cleaning up title after title. But the long-running winning streak could soon be broken with the emergence of US star Alysa Liu.
The 13-year-old talent, who became the youngest US skater to claim the national title, threatens to shatter Russias dominant positions in the womens field with the technically-gifted skating she has demonstrated at junior level.
READ MORE: Russias next star? 11yo figure skating prodigy Sofia Akatyeva lands quad
In January, Liu stole the show at the US Figure Skating Championships, producing a mature performance that belied her tender years. She landed two triple axels to edge compatriot Bradie Tennell for the national crown.
Liu became the youngest skater to win the national title, breaking the seemingly unbeatable record set by Tara Lipinski, who triumphed at the national contest at the age of 14.
Lipinski, who worked at the championship as a commentator, praised Liu for her remarkable achievement, expressing no regret that her long-standing record had been broken.
"Records are made to be broken. It is quite an honor that she is the one to do it. What a phenomenal talent," the 1998 Olympic champion said.
Along with extremely complicated triple axels, the newly-crowned US champion is training quadruple jumps which have been performed only by Russian coach Eteri Tutberidzes skaters so far.
READ MORE: Olympic champ Zagitova skated with severe blisters at nationals, photos reveal
The renowned trainer has several skaters on her tRead More – Source
