Bold new US trio eyes Olympic figure skating gold

Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito aim to make history as role models for a new generation

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The trio of U.S. women targeting Olympic figure skating gold in Milan are not the dainty ice princesses of yesteryear. There's Amber Glenn, a 26-year-old powerhouse and LGBTQ+ rights activist; Alysa Liu, the one-time phenom who retired at 16 only to launch a comeback; and Isabeau Levito, the 18-year-old whose searing wit and biting sarcasm shine through. They've dubbed themselves the 'Blade Angels' and are a new kind of role model for American girls.

Why it matters

This group of bold, outspoken, and diverse American figure skaters represents a shift away from the traditional image of the sport, aiming to inspire a new generation of young women to pursue their passions and not be afraid to be themselves.

The details

Amber Glenn has overcome an eating disorder, depression, and ADHD to become a three-time and reigning U.S. champion. Alysa Liu quit the sport at 16 but has since made a comeback, winning the world title and earning a spot on the Olympic team. Isabeau Levito, at 18, projects an 'ice princess' image but has a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor that contrasts with her public persona.

  • Amber Glenn has represented the U.S. internationally for nearly 15 years.
  • Alysa Liu quit figure skating at age 16 but launched a comeback two years ago.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, will take place in February.

The players

Amber Glenn

A 26-year-old American figure skater and LGBTQ+ rights activist who is a three-time and reigning U.S. champion.

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who retired at 16 but has since made a comeback, winning the world title and earning a spot on the Olympic team.

Isabeau Levito

An 18-year-old American figure skater who projects an 'ice princess' image but has a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor that contrasts with her public persona.

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What they’re saying

“I really like that we're all different, and we all have our own strengths and personalities, and our own ways we want to look and appear. I think it's really great, because while we all have the same passion for the sport, and we have very aligned goals.”

— Isabeau Levito

“I hope I can use my platform and voice throughout these Games to help people stay strong during these hard times. A lot of people will say, 'You're just an athlete. Stick to your job. Shut up about politics.' But politics affect us all.”

— Amber Glenn

“I really hated skating when I quit. Like, I really didn't like it. I didn't care about competitions. I didn't care about places. I didn't care about skaters. I didn't care about my programs. I just wanted to, like, get away. I want nothing to do with that. I hated fame. I hated social media. I didn't like interviews. Like, I hated all of it.”

— Alysa Liu

What’s next

The trio of American figure skaters will compete for Olympic gold in the women's event on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

This bold new generation of American figure skaters are breaking the mold, using their platforms to advocate for important causes and inspire a new wave of young women to pursue their passions unapologetically, regardless of societal expectations.