The women’s figure skating competition kicked off on Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, bringing excitement and high expectations for Team USA. For the first time in two decades, hopes for an American medal hinge largely on Alysa Liu, amid a challenging start for the team.
Kristi Yamaguchi, a former world champion and Olympic gold medalist, had expressed optimism regarding the potential for an American woman to secure a medal, highlighting the importance of executing a clean short program. Yamaguchi emphasized to CBS News the necessity of avoiding mistakes, as they can significantly impact an athlete’s chances for an Olympic medal.
Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito, collectively dubbed the “Blade Angels,” took to the ice for the individual short program. However, Glenn faced a setback, failing to complete her triple loop, which placed her in 13th among the competitors after the short program. Meanwhile, Liu positioned herself solidly in third place, with Levito following closely in eighth as they look forward to the free skate scheduled for Thursday.
Yamaguchi reiterated the significance of maintaining composure and delivering a strong performance, noting that even after challenges, skaters could prove their worth and readiness for the competition. “You want to set yourself up right for a chance at a medal, at the gold,” she remarked.
While the prospects of Glenn and Levito medaling seem slim, they are not entirely out of reach. Glenn trails third place by 9.2 points, while Levito is only 5.75 points behind the bronze medal position. Any chance they have hinges on potential mistakes from their competitors during the free skate, a scenario that has unfolded in these Games.
Reflecting on the long gap since an American woman won an individual Olympic skating medal, Yamaguchi recalled her own triumph in 1992 as a pivotal moment in U.S. figure skating. She noted that the current trio of skaters represents a combination of experience and maturity that positions them well for success.
Yamaguchi mused on the allure of women’s figure skating in the United States, crediting its glamorous image as a factor that captures the nation’s imagination every four years. She remarked on the artistry of the sport and how vital it is to connect with audiences, emphasizing that personal expression and style play a significant role in the sport’s appeal. As the competition unfolds, athletes and fans alike continue to hope for a breakthrough that could reinstate American women as prominent contenders in figure skating on the Olympic stage.