China’s rising star An Xiangyi made her mark on the global stage as she debuted at the International Skating Union (ISU) World Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday in Saitama, Japan. The 18-year-old competed in the women’s singles event, ending China’s four-year absence in this category.
An’s participation is a significant moment for Chinese figure skating. Before her appearance, no Chinese skater had competed in the women’s singles event at the World Championships for the past four editions. An’s emergence brings new hope and excitement to China’s presence in the sport.
At just 13, An clinched the National Championships title, showcasing her exceptional talent early on. By 15, she had already secured a sixth-place finish at the Junior World Championships, indicating her potential to excel on the international stage.
In her short program, An performed to the French song “Voilà” by Barbara Pravi. Despite her artistic expression, she faced challenges with her landings, resulting in a score of 47.52 points. This placed her 27th, just outside the cutoff for the free skate segment.
While her debut did not lead to a top placement, An Xiangyi’s participation signals a promising future for Chinese women’s figure skating. Fans and supporters are eager to see how she will continue to develop her skills and represent her country in upcoming competitions.
