Isabeau Levito aimed to leave a lasting impression with a beautiful final performance at the Milano Cortina Olympics, but her aspirations fell short during the free skate on Thursday. The 18-year-old figure skater from Mount Holly encountered challenges, revealing a slight grimace when the judges announced her score.
Levito’s performance took a turn after she made what NBC commentator Tara Lipinski referred to as “a shocking mistake” on a triple flip, leading to a fall early in her routine. Although she managed to recover well for the remainder of her performance, the subsequent inability to complete another triple jump compounded her misfortunes, ultimately resulting in a nine-point deduction that eliminated her chances for a medal.
Following the event, Levito shared her mixed feelings about her performance, stating, “I kind of just skated, so I’m not so sure how I feel about how I skated. I feel strong right now. I don’t feel too tired, and for the most part, I’m not going to frown at the Olympics, so I think that’s why I’m smiling.” Her resilience shone through as she described skimming through her routine on “autopilot,” a testament to her extensive training and preparation.
Despite this disappointment, Levito’s Olympic debut has been remarkable overall. As a New Jersey native, she charmed audiences with her Italian heritage while also connecting with younger fans through her vibrant social media presence. Levito’s spirit remains undampened as she reflected on her experience, stating that being part of the athletes’ village felt like a “fantasy,” noting it resembled a university campus—a unique experience for her.
Levito began the competition in eighth place, just six points away from a medal. However, it was her fellow American Alysa Liu who broke a 20-year drought by winning the gold medal with an exceptional performance. Liu’s victory marked the first U.S. gold in the event since Sarah Hughes’s triumph in 2002, while Japanese skaters Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai secured silver and bronze, respectively. By finishing 12th overall, Levito still left an indelible mark on the competition.
Notably, Levito’s program featured music from “Cinema Paradiso,” paying homage to her Italian roots, with her grandmother living nearby in Milan. Adding to the New Jersey connection, Olga Mikutina, a Ukrainian-born skater who trains in Montclair, also competed on the same day, drawing a supportive crowd of students and faculty who celebrated her participation in her second Olympic Games.
Overall, while the outcome of Levito’s performance may not have matched her expectations, her journey in Milan highlighted her passion for skating, her vibrant personality, and the connections she formed along the way. Her experiences and joy in being part of the Olympics inspire hope for her future competitive endeavors and the impact she has made within the sports community.