MILAN — Tuesday night proved to be an unforgettable experience for Alysa Liu, America’s premier female figure skater, as she delivered an exceptional performance in the women’s short program at the Olympics. With her family and friends cheering from the stands of the Milano Ice Skating Arena, Liu skated with joy, creating what seemed to be a perfect moment.
However, as she made her way through the arena’s basement, Liu caught sight of her close friend and teammate Amber Glenn, who was about to begin her own routine. “Let’s watch Amber!” she exclaimed to the waiting reporters. For a brief moment, Glenn shone, landing a stunning triple Axel. But the excitement turned to heartbreak when she stumbled on her next jump, signaling a difficult night for her. The camera captured Glenn’s devastation, and Liu’s joy quickly faded as she empathized with her friend.
Despite the high hopes for American figure skating — with the potential for three U.S. skaters to contend for the women’s individual title — the evening ended with a complex outcome. Liu finished third in the short program, trailing just two points behind the leaders, while Isabeau Levito secured eighth place and Glenn landed in 13th, facing long odds for a medal.
Glenn seemed fully aware of her disappointing performance as she left the rink. She quickly walked past reporters, only briefly engaging with an NBC crew before leaving without further comment. Officials indicated that she wasn’t in a position to speak.
The Olympics can be a harsh arena for athletes, as seen just last week when American star Ilia Malinin faced a similar fate in the men’s singles competition. Glenn, who has battled personal challenges, including ADHD and self-doubt, had worked tirelessly over the past year, only to see her Olympic dreams slip away with a missed jump.
In contrast, Liu approached the competition with a calm confidence. Having previously stepped away from the sport in 2022 before making her triumphant return, she displayed remarkable prowess during her routine. With a triple flip, double Axel, and a triple Lutz-triple loop combination, Liu received a score of 76.59 — a personal best and an international achievement — placing her among the leaders for the upcoming free skate on Thursday.
While the prospect of a gold medal tantalizes, Liu declined to focus on it, stating, “I don’t need a medal.” What mattered more in that moment was the presence of her loved ones in the audience. As she prepared to skate, her attention was drawn not to the pressure of competition but to the excitement of sharing her performance with them.
Liu’s emotional connection to her routine was palpable, especially as she skated to “Promise” by Laufey, a piece she adores. The experience moved her deeply, leading to tears as the music resonated with her feelings in that very moment.
Reflecting on Glenn’s experience, Liu expressed understanding of her friend’s struggles. “She’s gone through so much… and she works so freaking hard,” Liu said, highlighting her support and concern for Glenn’s well-being. “I just want her to be happy.”
As the event unfolds, Liu’s focus remains on the joy of performance and the bonds formed through shared experiences, hinting at a promising future for both herself and her teammate amid the multifaceted emotions of Olympic competition.