U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Team Brings Unity and Medal Hope at 2026 Olympics

MILAN — A rare blend of friendship, resilience and competitive fire has emerged at the 2026 Winter Olympics with the United States’ trio of women’s figure skaters — Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito — forging a singular identity as they chase Olympic glory on ice in Milan and Cortina.

The three competitors, now colloquially known as the “Blade Angels,” have captured attention not just for their athletic potential but for their unusually close bond in a sport long defined by rivalry as much as grace. At these Games, any one of them could become the first American woman in almost two decades to reach the Olympic podium in individual figure skating.

From Rivals to Supportive Teammates

At the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, the trio finished atop a field of elite competitors, securing the three spots on Team USA. Glenn — a 26-year-old first-time Olympian and the reigning three-time U.S. national champion — secured gold with powerful jumps and artistic nuance. Liu, the 2025 World champion with an unconventional comeback story, placed second. Levito, the 18-year-old former world silver medalist, clinched the final spot with a poised and personal performance.

That competitive hierarchy might have predicted tension, but Glenn, Liu and Levito have consistently described their relationship as a source of strength. “We all know we’re competing against each other, but we’re competing to do our best,” Glenn said. “As long as we are happy with what we do, I think everyone will be happy.”

Their chemistry was on full display long before the Olympics began, when the trio voted to nickname themselves the Blade Angels — a playful moniker that hints at both athletic precision and shared confidence. A promotional video narrated by singer Taylor Swift introduced them ahead of the Games, casting them as the face of a new era in American women’s skating.

Personal Journeys and Diverse Strengths

Each skater brings a distinct backstory to the Olympic stage:

• Amber Glenn is a rare combination of technical strength and personal honesty. Known for her consistent triple Axel — a leap that few female skaters attempt at elite levels — Glenn has also become an outspoken advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Her journey to Olympic ice was shaped by years of personal struggle, growth and resilience.
• Alysa Liu entered the sport as a prodigy, becoming one of the youngest American stars to land major jumping elements in competition. After stepping away from skating at 16, she returned revitalized, claiming the World title in 2025 and redefining her approach to performance, creativity and self-expression.
• Isabeau Levito carries both competitive polish and a personal connection to the host city of Milan — her mother’s hometown, where relatives will watch her compete. At 18, Levito combines the poise of a seasoned competitor with an evolving artistic voice that has earned admiration from fans and commentators alike.

Strong friendships among the three — emphasized in press events and shared moments on social media — have resonated with fans and athletes alike who see them as redefining the narrative of women’s figure skating culture. Their united front contrasts with the sport’s historical stereotype of cutthroat competition between peers.

Olympic Context and Medal Prospects

The U.S. women’s team enters the individual competition amid a generally competitive field that includes standout skaters from Japan and other leading figure skating nations. At these Olympics, the women’s events — including the short program and free skate — are among the most eagerly anticipated for Team USA, with the trio poised to compete for the final medals of the figure skating slate.

Their performances already contributed to Team USA’s success in the team event, where American skaters captured gold, underscoring the depth and collective resilience of the American squad.

While the ultimate podium positions remain unknown, the Blade Angels’ presence has lit up discussion in the skating world, not just for their athletic promise but for what they represent: a generation of skaters redefining what success looks like, both on and off the ice.