MILAN — The U.S. women’s figure skating team kicked off their journey at the 2026 Winter Olympics filled with optimism, featuring the close-knit trio of “Blade Angels”: Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. Their bond and independent style had already enchanted fans in the lead-up to the Games, making them the Americans’ prime contenders to break a 20-year Olympic medal drought.
The excitement surged as Alysa Liu took the ice first in the final group, dazzling the crowd with a remarkable performance that earned her a season-best score of 76.59, placing her in third. Following Liu, Levito made an impactful Olympic debut, finishing cleanly with a score of 70.84, good enough for eighth place amidst the cheering hometown crowd.
However, the evening took a disappointing turn for Glenn, who struggled during her routine. Despite starting strong with an impressive triple axel, she faltered on a subsequent triple loop, receiving no points for the invalidated jump and landing in 13th place with a score of 67.39. An emotional Glenn expressed her disappointment, saying, “I don’t know what happened, I had it,” showcasing the rigorous mental and emotional pressures athletes face in such high-stakes environments.
Liu’s strong performance now positions her as the U.S.’s most viable medal hopeful. If she secures a medal, she will be the first American woman to do so since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006. Liu remains grounded, focusing on performing her best regardless of her current standing. “It doesn’t change how I did,” she asserted, showcasing her resilient spirit.
Levito’s feeling of joy was palpable as she skated to a medley in her mother’s hometown, while Glenn expressed her admiration for both teammates. Liu offered heartfelt support for Glenn, emphasizing her dedication and hard work, echoing the spirit of camaraderie that defines the trio.
With Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto currently leading, the competition remains fierce, but Liu’s determination has captured the spotlight for the U.S. team, fueling hopes for a breakthrough as they move toward the free skate in the coming days.
As part of the larger spectacle of the Olympics, figure skating combines athleticism and artistry, drawing international audiences every four years. This year in Milano Cortina promises a thrilling display of talent and competition as athletes vie for the coveted medals amidst the backdrop of Olympic tradition.