Alysa Liu, along with the ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, claimed top honors on Day 3 of the 2025 Saatva Skate America held in Lake Placid, New York. Their outstanding performances not only earned them gold medals but also secured them spots in the upcoming ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025 in Nagoya, Japan.
Competing in the historic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, Chock and Bates achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Skate America title for the fifth time, thus matching the record set by Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto for the most titles in this event’s history.
Alysa Liu made her mark by clinching her first Grand Prix gold medal and becoming the first American woman to win the Skate America title at a fully international event since Ashley Wagner’s victory in 2016. After finishing a close second in the short program, Liu dazzled in the free skate with her performance of “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer, achieving a season-best score of 140.54 and an overall total of 214.27 points, winning by 3.31 points. She received Level 4s for her spins and step sequence, while her hardest combination, a triple Lutz-double Axel-double toe loop, earned her significant points.
“This competition means a lot to me. Whether I’m on the podium or not, I’m proud to perform on such a big stage. I’m motivated to improve my next performance, and I’m excited for the Grand Prix Final,” Liu expressed, emphasizing her commitment to honing her skills.
Starr Andrews enthralled the audience with a personal best, scoring 130.90 in the free skate for a total of 195.28 points. Her routine included vocal performances of “The Fantasy of Happiness” and “Turning Page,” displaying her growth and stamina through recent training in Colorado.
Meanwhile, Josephine Lee debuted at her first Grand Prix event, finishing with a free skate score of 93.04 and an overall total of 147.28, showing her potential and commitment to improvement.
In the ice dance category, Chock and Bates showcased their excellence by posting a world-leading total score of 212.58, winning the event by over 15 points. Their routine to “Paint It Black” highlighted their perfect synchronization and artistry, earning them Level 4s for multiple elements, with their lift scoring the highest at 14.88 points.
“It’s always special to compete at home, especially at Skate America, which we hold dear,” stated Chock, reflecting on the significance of the competition.
Chock and Bates’ win contributes to a remarkable trend, with the U.S. securing gold in 16 of the last 17 years at Skate America. Other notable performances included Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, who finished fourth overall, and siblings Oona and Gage Brown, who showcased their innovative choreography and unique moves to finish sixth.
As these athletes prepare for the Grand Prix Final and look ahead to future competitions, their performances at Skate America reaffirm not only their talent but also the bright futures ahead for American figure skating.