The upcoming women’s figure skating competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is shaping up to be an exciting showdown primarily between athletes from Japan and the United States. The landscape of the event has been notably defined by the strong performances from these two nations, especially after the December Grand Prix Final where all six competitors hailed from Japan or the U.S.
Leading the charge for the United States is Liu, who clinched victory at both the Grand Prix Final and the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships held in Boston. Her remarkable achievements position her as a formidable contender. However, Japan’s Sakamoto enters the competition as a significant favorite. The three-time world champion and bronze medallist from the Beijing 2022 Olympics has been in stunning form, recently outperforming Liu and fellow teammate Glenn in both segments of the team event.
Glenn, a talented skater and the 2024 Grand Prix Final champion, has her own aspirations for achieving a podium finish. Despite her potential, concerns about her consistency could be a factor, as she finished third in the team free skate earlier in these Olympic Games.
Other noteworthy athletes include Chiba, the reigning world bronze medallist from Japan, and Isabeau Levito, who secured silver at the world championships in 2024 for the United States. The competition also introduces Nakai, a newcomer who has risen dramatically from 15th place at the 2024-25 Japanese nationals to secure her Olympic berth after an impressive season, including a victory at the Grand Prix of France.
Another intriguing competitor is Petrosian, an 18-year-old skater participating as an Individual Neutral Athlete. She earned her Olympic ticket by winning the Skate to Milano event in September 2025 and possesses the unique ability to perform a quadruple jump, which could certainly shake up the competition.
With such diverse talent and compelling storylines, the women’s figure skating event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics promises to be a thrilling highlight of the Games. As athletes push their limits, fans can expect spectacular performances and emotional moments on the ice.