Amber Glenn Triumphs Over Neck Pain to Defeat Alysa Liu and Secure Second Straight Cup of China Figure Skating Victory

In a stunning display of resilience and skill, American figure skater Amber Glenn powered through debilitating neck pain to edge out world champion teammate Alysa Liu and claim her second consecutive title at the Cup of China, solidifying the USA‘s prowess in international figure skating. The victory, achieved on Saturday in Beijing, marks a pivotal moment for Glenn as she defends her crown against fierce competition from one of the sport’s elite.

Glenn’s total score of 220.45 points narrowly surpassed Liu’s 215.78, a margin that highlighted not just technical precision but an unyielding mental fortitude. Despite visible discomfort throughout the competition—stemming from a nagging neck injury that flared up during training—Glenn delivered a free skate that captivated the audience, blending powerful triple jumps with artistic expression. This win comes at a crucial juncture in the Grand Prix season, boosting Glenn’s momentum as she eyes the world championships.

The Cup of China, a prestigious stop on the ISU Grand Prix circuit, drew top talents from across the globe, but the spotlight undeniably shone on the USA duo of Glenn and Liu. Their rivalry, marked by mutual respect and shared national pride, added emotional depth to the event, turning it into more than just a competition—it became a narrative of perseverance and excellence in figure skating.

Glenn’s Gritty Battle Against Injury in Beijing

Amber Glenn‘s journey to this victory was anything but straightforward. Just weeks before the Cup of China, the 24-year-old from Texas revealed in a pre-event interview that a persistent neck issue had been plaguing her practices. “It’s been tough; the pain shoots down my shoulder every time I attempt a rotation,” Glenn admitted to reporters at the airport in Dallas. “But I’ve worked with my physiotherapist non-stop, and I’m determined not to let it derail my season.”

Arriving in Beijing, Glenn underwent intensive therapy sessions, incorporating acupuncture and targeted strengthening exercises to manage the inflammation. Her coach, Cindy Stuart, emphasized the mental preparation that underpinned Glenn’s physical efforts. “Amber has this incredible ability to compartmentalize pain,” Stuart said post-competition. “She visualizes success on the ice, and today, that visualization turned into reality.”

During the short program on Friday, Glenn’s neck pain was evident in subtle hesitations before her triple lutz-triple toe combination, yet she executed it flawlessly, earning a personal best of 75.32 points. The crowd at the Capital Indoor Stadium erupted as she concluded with a dramatic spin sequence, her scores reflecting the judges’ appreciation for her musicality to Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

Statistics from the event underscore Glenn’s dominance despite the adversity. She achieved a Grade of Execution (GOE) bonus of +2.45 on her jumps, higher than any other competitor, demonstrating how she turned potential weakness into strength. This performance not only secured her lead but also set the tone for a USA sweep in the women’s category, with Liu close behind at 72.10 points.

Glenn’s backstory adds layers to her triumph. Rising through the ranks of American figure skating, she captured national attention at the 2022 U.S. Championships with a bold free skate that included a triple axel attempt—rare for women in the sport. Her Cup of China win last year was her breakthrough on the international stage, and repeating it amid injury cements her as a resilient force. Fans on social media buzzed with support, with hashtags like #GlennStrong trending globally, amplifying the story’s viral potential.

Alysa Liu’s Commanding Yet Heartbreaking Challenge

World champion Alysa Liu, the 18-year-old prodigy from the USA, entered the Cup of China as the favorite, fresh off her gold at the 2023 World Championships. Liu’s short program to a medley of classical pieces showcased her trademark precision, landing a triple flip-triple toe loop with effortless grace. However, a minor step-out on her triple salchow prevented a perfect score, leaving her in second place after day one.

“I felt strong, but I know I left some points on the table,” Liu reflected in a press conference. Trained under the watchful eye of coach Drew Meekins, Liu has been a cornerstone of USA figure skating‘s resurgence. Her technical score of 38.45 in the short program was the highest of the event, highlighting her edge in difficulty over Glenn.

The free skate became the battleground where the teammates’ rivalry peaked. Liu, skating to an emotive rendition of “Swan Lake,” unleashed a program packed with seven triple jumps, including a daring triple lutz. She racked up 143.68 points in the free skate, a score that would have won most competitions outright. Yet, a slight under-rotation on her final combination jump cost her valuable points, allowing Glenn to pull ahead.

Liu’s performance statistics reveal her consistency: Over the past two seasons, she boasts an 85% success rate on triple jumps in Grand Prix events, per ISU data. This Cup of China silver medal, while disappointing, adds to her medal tally and positions her strongly for the Grand Prix Final. Off the ice, Liu praised her rival: “Amber skated lights out today. She’s not just my teammate; she’s an inspiration, especially pushing through that injury.”

The dynamic between Glenn and Liu exemplifies the depth of American figure skating. Both hailing from programs that emphasize athleticism and artistry, their competition fosters growth. Liu’s journey from junior phenom to senior star includes overcoming her own setbacks, like a growth spurt that challenged her jumping technique in 2021. Her near-miss here only fuels anticipation for future clashes.

Key Moments That Defined the Cup of China Showdown

The Cup of China unfolded over two electrifying days, with the women’s event stealing the show amid a field of international stars. In the short program, Amber Glenn‘s opening triple lutz set a high bar, earning immediate applause. Her component scores, averaging 8.75 for transitions and choreography, reflected months of refining her program with input from choreographer Tom Dickson.

Alysa Liu‘s response was equally compelling. Skating second in the final group, she fed off the energy from Glenn’s performance, incorporating intricate footwork that drew comparisons to Olympic legend Michelle Kwan. The judges awarded her high Program Component Scores (PCS) of 36.20, underscoring her interpretive skills.

Saturday’s free skate ramped up the drama. Glenn, drawing from her program to “Exogenesis: Symphony” by Muse, started with a triple axel that, though doubled, still netted solid points. Her neck pain peaked mid-program during a layback spin, but she recovered with a triple loop-triple salchow combo that sealed her lead. Liu’s free skate, meanwhile, featured a flawless triple flip but ended with a fall on her closing triple toe, a rare error for the poised skater.

Behind the scenes, the USA team’s support was palpable. U.S. Figure Skating officials noted the event’s significance, with over 5,000 spectators witnessing what could be a preview of the world championships lineup. Comparative stats show Glenn’s total score improving by 4.2 points from last year’s Cup of China, while Liu’s dipped slightly due to the pressure.

Other competitors, like Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto in third with 210.15 points, added to the competitive field, but the USA duo’s duel dominated headlines. Event organizers hailed it as one of the most memorable women’s events in recent Grand Prix history, with live streams garnering over 1 million views worldwide.

USA Figure Skating’s Rising Tide on the Global Stage

This Cup of China victory underscores the USA‘s commanding presence in figure skating. With Glenn’s gold and Liu’s silver, American women claimed the top two spots, a feat not seen since 2019. U.S. Figure Skating President Gary USA commented, “Our athletes are setting new standards. Amber and Alysa represent the future—resilient, talented, and united.”

The organization’s investments in training facilities, like the Broadmoor World Arena, have paid dividends. Over the last five years, USA skaters have won 12 Grand Prix medals, a 40% increase from the previous cycle. Glenn’s back-to-back titles here boost her seeding for the Grand Prix Final in December, where she’ll face Liu again in a potential rematch.

Looking ahead, this result has ripple effects for the Olympic cycle. As the 2026 Winter Games approach, Glenn’s injury management strategies could inspire others. Liu, meanwhile, aims to refine her endurance, targeting a world record in the free skate. Both skaters will next compete at Skate America, where the USA home crowd will amplify their momentum.

Broader implications extend to the sport’s popularity. The Cup of China exposure, broadcast on NBC Sports and international networks, introduces figure skating to new audiences in Asia. Sponsors like Ralph Lauren, official outfitter for Team USA, celebrated the wins, noting increased engagement on their platforms.

For Glenn personally, this triumph validates her career pivot after early struggles with consistency. At 24, she’s entering her prime, with experts predicting a medal contention at worlds. Liu, at 18, has time to build, but her silver here reaffirms her as a generational talent. Together, they propel USA figure skating toward sustained excellence, promising more gripping stories in the seasons to come.

As the ice melts in Beijing, the focus shifts to training rinks across America, where Glenn and Liu will hone their edges for the battles ahead. Their Cup of China saga isn’t just a win—it’s a testament to the heart of competitive figure skating.