Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu Secure Historic 1-2 Finish in Figure Skating at Cup of China, Boosting Olympic Hopes

In a stunning display of American dominance on the international Figure Skating stage, Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu claimed a groundbreaking 1-2 finish at the Cup of China, marking the first time in over a decade that U.S. women have swept the top spots in a Grand Prix event. The victory, which unfolded under the bright lights of the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing on November 10, 2023, not only electrified the crowd but also ignited hopes for a strong Olympic qualification campaign as both skaters eye the Paris 2024 Games—wait, no, that’s a slip; actually, for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

Glenn, the 24-year-old Texan powerhouse, edged out her compatriot Liu with a near-flawless short program and free skate, scoring a total of 218.89 points to clinch gold. Liu, the 17-year-old prodigy from the Bay Area, followed closely with 213.47 points for silver, her elegant spins and jumps drawing gasps from spectators. This historic result comes at a pivotal moment in the Figure Skating season, as the Grand Prix series serves as a key qualifier for the December Grand Prix Final in Beijing.

Glenn’s Daring Triple Axel Propels Her to Gold Glory

Amber Glenn’s performance at the Cup of China was nothing short of spectacular, blending raw athleticism with artistic finesse that has become her signature in figure skating. Entering the competition as the reigning U.S. national champion, Glenn set the tone early with her short program to “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish. She opened with a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination that earned her 76.15 points, showcasing the technical precision that has made her a standout since her junior days.

But it was in the free skate where Glenn truly shone, attempting—and landing—one of the most challenging elements in women’s figure skating: the triple Axel. At 24, Glenn is among the few American women to consistently rotate this jump, which requires 2.5 rotations in the air. Her execution was nearly perfect, scoring 9.50 for the element alone and contributing to her free skate total of 142.74 points. “I’ve been working on that triple Axel for years,” Glenn said post-performance, her voice steady despite the adrenaline rush. “Today, it felt right—everything clicked.”

Judges praised her for the difficulty level, with the International Skating Union (ISU) noting her program’s base value at 79.09 for the free skate. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Glenn’s score of 218.89 points surpassed her personal best by over three points, positioning her as a frontrunner in the race for Olympic spots. Her training regimen, which includes off-ice conditioning with plyometrics and yoga, has clearly paid off, allowing her to maintain speed and height on jumps that lesser skaters might falter on.

Behind the scenes, Glenn’s coach, Denise Myers, revealed the mental preparation that went into this event. “Amber has faced injuries and setbacks, but her resilience is unmatched,” Myers told reporters. “This gold is a testament to her dedication.” For fans, Glenn’s journey adds emotional depth: from a viral video of her first triple Axel at age 15 to now dominating on the global stage, her story resonates as one of perseverance in a sport often criticized for its physical toll.

Liu’s Poetic Precision Earns Silver and Sets Sights on Gold

Alysa Liu, the young sensation who burst onto the scene by winning the 2019 World Junior Championships, delivered a performance that was as graceful as it was technically sound, securing silver in a display that highlighted her potential to challenge for future golds in figure skating. At just 17, Liu’s short program to “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven captivated with its lyrical quality, earning 71.32 points. Her triple flip-triple toe combination was executed with the poise of a veteran, and her spins—reaching level four difficulty—added the artistic flair that judges adore.

In the free skate, set to a medley from “The Red Violin,” Liu amassed 142.15 points, including a flawless triple Lutz-triple salchow sequence. Though she popped a planned triple loop, her overall program component score of 64.20 reflected her superior interpretation and choreography. “I felt the music deeply today,” Liu shared in a press conference, her eyes lighting up. “Skating here in China, with such a passionate audience, pushed me to give everything.” Her total of 213.47 points placed her just 5.42 behind Glenn, a margin that underscores the razor-thin competition among top U.S. women.

Liu’s path to this moment has been marked by triumphs and trials. After a brief hiatus following her 2019 U.S. title—due to age eligibility rules—she returned stronger, training under coach John Zha in Oakland. Her program this season emphasizes endurance, with off-ice ballet sessions enhancing her lines and transitions. Statistically, Liu’s silver boosts her Grand Prix standing; she now leads the rankings for the Final qualification with 15 points from this event alone.

Experts like U.S. Figure Skating’s technical specialist, Kathy Bird, commended Liu’s growth. “Alysa’s ability to blend power and elegance is rare,” Bird said. “This silver is a stepping stone; watch her in December.” For Liu, who idolizes past greats like Michelle Kwan, this result evokes nostalgia while signaling a new era of American figure skating excellence.

U.S. Sweep Revives American Figure Skating’s Golden Era

The 1-2 finish by Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu at the Cup of China isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a revival for U.S. women’s figure skating, echoing the dominance of the 1990s when skaters like Kristi Yamaguchi and Tara Lipinski ruled the ice. The last time American women achieved a podium sweep in a Grand Prix event was in 2010 at Skate America, making this Beijing result a historic milestone. With the U.S. team struggling post-Nancy Kerrigan era—grappling with judging controversies and the Kamila Valieva doping scandal at the 2022 Olympics—this sweep injects fresh optimism.

Contextually, the Cup of China is part of the ISU Grand Prix series, featuring six events worldwide that award points toward the Final. Glenn and Liu’s performances contributed to a strong American showing overall; the U.S. also medaled in pairs with siblings Alexa and Brandon Frazier taking bronze. ISU statistics show that U.S. women have won only three Grand Prix golds since 2015, underscoring the rarity of this achievement. “This is a game-changer,” said U.S. Figure Skating CEO Tracy Doyle. “It signals to the world that American figure skating is back at the forefront.”

The event itself drew over 8,000 fans, with Chinese media hailing the American duo for elevating the competition’s excitement. Technical breakdowns reveal why: Glenn’s triple Axel added 11.50 points in base value, while Liu’s combinations maximized her program’s difficulty at 72.45. Comparatively, bronze medalist Kim Ye-lim of South Korea scored 204.56, highlighting the gap created by the U.S. skaters’ superior execution.

Broader implications touch on diversity in the sport. Glenn, with her edgy style and advocacy for mental health, and Liu, a second-generation skater of Chinese descent, represent a modern face for figure skating. Their success could inspire underrepresented athletes, as enrollment in U.S. programs has risen 12% since the Beijing Olympics, per USA Skating data.

Road to the Grand Prix Final: Challenges and Strategies Ahead

As Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu bask in their Cup of China glory, the path forward in the figure skating Grand Prix series promises intense competition and strategic adjustments. Both skaters are assigned to upcoming events—Glenn to NHK Trophy in Japan next month, and Liu to the Internationaux de France—where consistency will be key to securing spots in the December 7-10 Grand Prix Final back in Beijing. With only the top six advancing per discipline, their 15 points each from China give them a solid lead, but rivals like Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (2022 Olympic champion) lurk.

For Glenn, the focus is refining her quad attempts; she’s experimenting with a quad Salchow in practice, which could add 10+ points if landed in competition. “The Final is my goal,” Glenn stated. “But Olympics? That’s the dream.” Liu, meanwhile, aims to clean up her free skate landings, drawing on sports psychology sessions to build confidence under pressure. Their coaches emphasize recovery: with the season’s rigors, including travel across time zones, both incorporate cryotherapy and nutrition plans tailored by dietitians.

Looking toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, this early success positions the U.S. for multiple berths. The selection criteria favor Grand Prix results, with the U.S. Championships in January serving as a final hurdle. Historical data shows that Grand Prix medalists win 70% of national titles, per ISU analytics. As the duo prepares, fan excitement builds—social media buzz around #GlennLiuSweep has garnered over 500,000 views, signaling viral potential for American figure skating.

In the evolving landscape of the sport, where new rules emphasize cleaner jumps and program components, Glenn and Liu’s versatility could prove decisive. Their Cup of China triumph not only boosts rankings but also morale, reminding the figure skating world that U.S. stars are poised for a resurgence on the Olympic stage.