Alysa Liu Shines in Grand Prix Comeback at 2024 Skate Canada International

The 2024 Skate Canada International, part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, is underway in Halifax, Canada, and American figure skater Alysa Liu has made a strong comeback after a two-year retirement. Liu, a 2022 Olympian, finished second in the women’s short program on Friday night, marking her second international competition and third event overall since her return to the sport.

Liu’s performance to “Promise” by Laufey earned her a score of 67.68, with positive grades of execution on six of her seven elements. Her opening triple flip-triple toe loop combination garnered more than nine points, and she received Level 4 designations on two of her spins as well as her step sequence.

Japanese skater Kaori Sakamoto currently leads the women’s competition with a score of 74.97 after her short program. Sakamoto’s graceful performance has set the bar high for the free skate on Saturday.

In other disciplines, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada are favored to win their fifth career Skate Canada International title in the ice dance category. The pair is among the top contenders as the competition continues with the rhythm dance and men’s short program on Saturday.

Team USA’s Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, competing in the pairs event, finished in the top five following the short program. Skating to “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran, the duo achieved the third-highest program component score with a total of 61.04 points. This marks their return to the Grand Prix Series after Howe recovered from shoulder surgery.

The competition will conclude on Saturday with the pairs and women’s free skates, where the first medals of the 2024 Skate Canada International will be awarded).