The Summer 2025 issue of SKATING magazine hit mailboxes this week. Here are five stories to check out.
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For Alysa Liu, It’s All a Win, Win
Alysa Liu’s return to competitive skating has been anything but conventional, and that’s exactly how she likes it. The 19-year-old World champion balances training, family life and friendships thanks to a carefree mindset. After stepping away from the sport, Liu stunned the world by winning the women’s title at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston. She credits her success to a new dynamic with her coaches, who now treat her as the creative director of her own skating. Liu is now driven by a desire to express herself, not just win.
Liu is now working to reintroduce her triple Axel in hopes of peaking for the 2026 Olympics. Grounded by her close-knit family and lifelong friends, she finds inspiration outside the rink in music, art and fashion. She paused her studies at UCLA to focus on skating but plans to return to school when possible.
Celebrating the Many Seasons of Scott Hamilton
Honored this spring by both the International Skating Union and Ice Theatre of New York with Lifetime Achievement Awards, Scott Hamilton reflects on his journey as an Olympic champion, TV personality, cancer survivor and relentless advocate.
From launching Stars on Ice, to a career as a television personality, Hamilton never stopped evolving. But his impact extends far beyond the rink. Through his CARES Foundation and personal experience with cancer, he’s become a voice of hope in the fight against the disease, championing innovative treatments and the power of perseverance.
At the ITNY gala, legends and current skaters gathered to celebrate his continued commitment to making the world a better place for individuals both on and off the ice.
Q&A With New CEO Matt Farrell
With nearly 30 years of experience within the Olympic Movement and beyond, Matt Farrell is bringing a fresh, energized perspective to U.S. Figure Skating as its new CEO. In this Q&A, Farrell shares what drew him to the role, the opportunities he sees in both the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Italy and the 2034 Games on home soil in Salt Lake City and the importance of creating an inclusive, welcoming culture for new skaters and families.
Farrell also talks about the promise of disciplines like synchronized skating and his personal journey in the sports world — from meeting his wife at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona to witnessing his first skating competition at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
Skaters Heat Things up in Minnesota
The 30th annual U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships Presented by Prevagen in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, was packed with unforgettable moments. More than 430 skaters aged 21 to 86 competed across 137 events.
Kristina Struthwolf-Leato secured her fifth championship masters junior-senior women’s title, while Michael Solonoski shattered the scoring record in the championship masters junior-senior men’s event. Derica Su brought Lady Gaga flair to her winning routine, and Eric Bilardi proved he was ready for his dream program after 10 years of waiting.
The competition crowned new champions, including Gabbi Guest, Eric Cook and Kelsey Cease, while Tara Green, 52, became the oldest women’s champion in the championship adult silver women’s division.
Quotes From Boston
From breakthroughs to moments of reflection, Team USA skaters shared insights behind the scenes from the World Championships in Boston. Ilia Malinin finally conquered the quad loop, while Isabeau Levito opened up about recovering from injury. Alysa Liu reflected on the importance of listening to herself, and Amber Glenn spoke about learning to trust herself. Jason Brown reminded himself that he belonged in the top tier of skating, while Madison Chock described a memorable free dance with Evan Bates. Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov shared heartfelt sentiments about skating in honor of those lost on Flight 5342.
