China’s 18-year-old figure skating phenom An Xiangyi took the global stage by storm this week at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston—a first for a Chinese athlete in the women’s singles event in four years. 🎉
From Prodigy to Pioneering Performer
An, who grabbed gold at China’s National Championships at just 13 and placed sixth at Junior Worlds two years later, brought fierce energy to her free skate debut. Though her short program to France’s Eurovision anthem "Voila" hit bumps (literally—a few wobbly landings 🛑), her grit resonated with fans worldwide.
No Shortage of Sparkle
Scoring 47.52 points in the short program—a bittersweet 27th-place finish—An narrowly missed advancing but left her mark as a rising star. “Every leap teaches me something,” she shared post-performance, hinting at a comeback. 💪
What’s Next?
An’s debut underscores China’s growing prowess in winter sports. With her blend of technical flair and tenacity, this Gen-Z skater is one to watch as she glides toward future podiums. 👀❄️
