Alysa Liu returned after two years away from figure skating to take the lead after the short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Alysa Liu was nearly in tears after her short program, and Bradie Tennell and Amber Glenn will look to challenge her at the US Championships in Kansas

Liu walked away from the sport in 2022 decided to mount a comeback because she missed the thrill of competition.

Alysa Liu won her first senior U.S. figure skating title at age 13. She retired at age 16. She has come back at age 19 and now leads after the short program at her first nationals in three years. Liu tallied 76.

Alysa Liu, back from retirement at age 19, sits in first place after the women's short program at U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Thursday in Wichita, Kan.