Figure Skating Stars Aim for Podium Sweep at Milan Cortina Olympics

Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito lead a strong U.S. women's figure skating team seeking the country's first Olympic gold since 2002.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Figure skating's Olympic competition continues with the highly anticipated women's events, featuring a trio of American stars known as the "Blade Angels" - Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito. The U.S. women's team is the strongest in 20 years, aiming to end the country's Olympic gold medal drought that dates back to Sarah Hughes' triumph in 2002. However, they will face stiff competition from rivals like Japan's Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, as well as the controversial Russian skater Adeliia Petrosian competing as a neutral athlete.

Why it matters

The U.S. women's figure skating team has not won an Olympic gold medal since 2002, and this year's trio of Liu, Glenn, and Levito represent the best chance in decades for the country to return to the top of the podium. Their success would be a major boost for the sport's popularity and profile in the United States.

The details

The women's short program will take place on Tuesday, February 18th, with the free skate following two days later on Thursday, February 20th. Liu, Glenn, and Levito will be aiming to become the first American women's figure skating trio to sweep the Olympic podium since 1998. Liu is the only member of the U.S. team with prior Olympic experience, having placed 6th in Beijing in 2022 before briefly retiring and then returning to the sport. Glenn and Levito will be making their Olympic debuts, but both have found success on the international stage in recent years.

  • The women's short program will begin at 11:45 a.m. CT on Tuesday, February 18th.
  • The women's free skate will take place at 12 p.m. CT on Thursday, February 20th.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old American figure skater who is the only member of the U.S. women's team with prior Olympic experience, having placed 6th in Beijing in 2022. Liu is known for her bold style and became the first U.S. woman to win the world title in 19 years in 2025.

Amber Glenn

A 24-year-old American figure skater from Plano, Texas who is the reigning three-time U.S. champion. Glenn has overcome personal challenges like an eating disorder and depression to become one of the top American women's skaters.

Isabeau Levito

An 18-year-old American figure skater who is making her Olympic debut after winning a silver medal at the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships, the best finish by a U.S. woman since 2016.

Kaori Sakamoto

A three-time world champion figure skater from Japan who won the women's short program during the team event at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Adeliia Petrosian

A Russian figure skater competing as a neutral athlete who has landed quadruple jumps in Russian national events and could be a dark horse contender for the Olympic title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I haven't seen a U.S. women's team this strong in 20 years.”

— Tara Lipinski, Olympic gold medalist and commentator (NBC Olympics)

“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 (The Associated Press)

“She was just so pretty. I just wanted to have that angelic energy that I feel like she has. Amber and Alysa have their distinct style, and she was more like me. My style is, I don't know, put together. I don't know how to word it.”

— Isabeau Levito (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.