P4 Reading Comprehension: Alyssa

At 13 years old, Alysa Liu is the youngest-ever champion at the 2019 United States Women's Figure Skating Championships.

At the competition, Alysa's performance was flawless. The judges were impressed with her perf~ct jumps and turns. Alysa had made them look easy although they were extremely challenging. She had to have incredible body strength and control to be the first competitor to successfully complete such a difficult routine in a competition.

Alyssa is modest about her accomplishment. She told a reporter, "I am happy that I beat my personal record."

Alyssa was 5 years old when her parents took her to the Oakland Ice Centre for her first ice skating lesson. She fell in love with ice skating and was eager to learn. Her coach, Laura Lipetsky, was a former national competitor. She told Alyssa's father that Alyssa has a natural talent for ice skating. Her father then enrolled her for private lessons with Laura. Although Alysa's everyday routine is demanding.

Although Alysa's everyday routine is demanding, she takes it in her stride. She does not complain. She starts her day early in the morning and has three training sessions daily. In between practices, she does her homework. Alysa usually eats dinner in the car on her way home, and is fast asleep by 8.30 p.mV\fhen the reporter asked her what she likes to do during her free time, Alysa replied, "I like to ride my bicycle at the park nearby with my friends."