Alysa Liu: “I keep working hard on the triple axel, and I hope that at Nationals I’ll be able to include it in my program.”
American figure skater Alysa Liu spoke with 2015 world champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva during the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya.
original source: Okko / Sports
American figure skater Alysa Liu says she is continuing to work on her triple axel and hopes to include it in her program at the national championships. Liu is currently in second place after the short program. Here’s a translation.
“Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: This is your first Grand Prix Final in senior competition. How do you feel now? Are there any differences compared to, say, the World Championships?
Alysa Liu: Honestly, the energy here feels completely different, but it’s similar to the World Championships. We’re competing with amazing girls – the six strongest athletes. I never imagined something like this.
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: Honestly, these have always been my favorite competitions. Because everything happens so fast: the short program, the free skate, only six people, and that’s it.
Two weeks ago, you won a senior Grand Prix event for the first time – that’s crazy! What do you think about that?
Alysa Liu: I didn’t think about the results. I was thinking about the people who would come and gather at this event, and for me, that’s already a great honor. I just try to focus on my performances and be perfect in what I do. I think I feel like a singer going on stage: all I need to do is what I know how to do.
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: So you don’t feel any special pressure?
Alysa Liu: No, because if you win one competition, it doesn’t mean you’ll always win. It’s always a challenge, and I don’t feel extra pressure – I just go out on the ice calmly.
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: I heard you’re bringing back the triple axel. Is that true? Will we see it this season?
Alysa Liu: Yes, I’m working on the triple axel, but I’m not including it in my competition program yet because I haven’t worked on it that much. I don’t feel confident enough yet. But I keep working hard on it almost every day, and I hope that at the national championships I’ll be able to include it in my program.”
Related topics: Alysa Liu, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, grand prix final
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