Milwaukee has long served as the center of speed skating in the United States, but it will also be a center for the world in just one short week.

Alysa Liu delivered a brilliant and breathtaking short program in her return to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Thursday night, taking a solid lead over Bradie Tennell and Amber Glenn.

But then, early last year, Liu decided to mount a comeback. And with the bright lights shining again, Liu delivered a brilliant and breathtaking short program in her return to nationals, scoring 76.36 ...