{"id":2251,"date":"2025-05-09T15:40:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T12:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vsaworld.com\/blog\/?p=2251"},"modified":"2025-05-09T15:40:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T12:40:35","slug":"alysa-lius-double-axel-pitch-ignites-excitement-for-2026-u-s-figure-skating-championships-in-st-louis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vsaworld.com\/blog\/alysa-lius-double-axel-pitch-ignites-excitement-for-2026-u-s-figure-skating-championships-in-st-louis\/","title":{"rendered":"Alysa Liu\u2019s Double Axel Pitch Ignites Excitement for 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alysa Liu \u00a9 Pinterest<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reigning World Figure Skating Champion Alysa Liu brought her signature flair to Busch Stadium, captivating fans with a double Axel before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This dazzling moment, blending figure skating artistry with baseball tradition, was part of a triumphant visit to St. Louis to promote the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission. Liu\u2019s electrifying appearance not only energized the crowd but also amplified anticipation for the prestigious skating event set to take place in January 2026, a key qualifier for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Champion\u2019s Stunning St. Louis Spotlight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alysa Liu, the 19-year-old phenom who made history as the first U.S. woman to win a world figure skating title since 2006, is no stranger to stealing the show. Her remarkable comeback from a two-year retirement culminated in a gold medal at the 2025 World Championships in Boston, where she landed seven clean triple jumps to dethrone three-time champion Kaori Sakamoto. Fresh off this triumph, Liu\u2019s visit to St. Louis was a masterstroke by the St. Louis Sports Commission to build excitement for the upcoming U.S. Championships, a critical stepping stone for skaters vying for Olympic berths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Busch Stadium, Liu merged her skating prowess with the baseball spotlight. Before throwing the first pitch, she executed a flawless double Axel\u2014a two-and-a-half rotation jump\u2014on the field, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. The Cardinals\u2019 5-0 victory over the Pirates added to the festive atmosphere, with fans on X crediting Liu\u2019s \u201cgood mojo\u201d for the win. A video of her performance, shared by user @quadsalchuwu, went viral, showcasing her athleticism and charm. This moment underscored Liu\u2019s ability to captivate audiences beyond the rink, making her the perfect ambassador for the 2026 Championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Louis Sports Commission Fuels the Hype<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The St. Louis Sports Commission, known for hosting major sporting events like the PGA Tour\u2019s Ascension Charity Classic and NCAA championships, orchestrated Liu\u2019s visit with precision. Their efforts ensured that her appearance resonated with both sports fans and the skating community, amplifying the buzz for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, scheduled for January 2026 at the Enterprise Center. Posts on X from @STLSportsCom highlighted Liu\u2019s double Axel pitch, framing it as a countdown to the Championships, which will determine the U.S. team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Commission\u2019s strategic promotion tapped into St. Louis\u2019s vibrant sports culture, home to the Cardinals, Blues, and a passionate fan base. By bringing a global skating star like Liu to a beloved local stage, they bridged baseball and figure skating, creating a shared excitement that reverberated across the city. The event\u2019s success reflects St. Louis\u2019s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting spectacles, with the 2026 Championships poised to draw thousands of fans, athletes, and media to the Gateway City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n