Winter Olympics 2026: America’s ‘Blade Angels’—Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito—Ready to Shatter Two Decades of Figure Skating Silence and Chase Podium Glory

The United States is entering the Winter Olympics 2026 with a strong hopeful trio in women’s figure skating, known as the “Blade Angels.” This group includes Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito, each bringing unique strengths and styles to the international stage. They carry the nation’s hopes to break the nearly 20-year drought since an American woman last medaled in individual Olympic figure skating.

Amber Glenn, a three-time consecutive U.S. national champion, has displayed remarkable resilience and technical prowess. She began skating at a young age in a Dallas suburb and has consistently pushed boundaries by landing difficult elements like the triple Axel. Glenn’s openness about her mental health and her authenticity have earned widespread respect in the skating community. Tara Lipinski, Olympic gold medalist and NBC commentator, praised Glenn’s courage and artistry, emphasizing the importance of her openness about struggles beyond the rink.

Alysa Liu adds a captivating story of early success and a return to competition driven by self-fulfillment. The youngest U.S. national champion at 13, Liu also competed in the 2022 Olympics but took a break from skating in 2023 to reconnect with herself, including a trek to Mount Everest’s base camp. Her comeback was marked by winning a World Championship and securing a spot on her second Olympic team. Liu’s relaxed and authentic approach to competition, as noted by Johnny Weir, has allowed her to thrive without feeling overwhelmed by pressure.

Isabeau Levito exemplifies elegance and precision on the ice. Inspired by watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as a child, Levito quickly rose through the ranks to become U.S. national champion in 2023. Known for her near-perfect performances and grace, she is often described as skating with the classical beauty of a ballerina. Levito’s routines at Milan Cortina pay homage to her Italian heritage, adding a personal and cultural dimension to her performances.

These three skaters rank among the top five in the International Skating Union’s world standings, trailing only top Japanese skaters, Kaori Sakamoto and Mone Chiba. Their strong results in the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships reflect their readiness and competitiveness at the Olympic level. Johnny Weir highlighted the geographic diversity of the team, with each skater hailing from different parts of the country, which brings varied perspectives and skating styles to the global competition.

Experts and commentators view this team as one of the strongest in decades. Lipinski expressed optimism about the possibility of an American podium sweep, a feat not seen in recent times. This optimism contrasts with the long medal drought since 2006. Each skater’s unique personal journey and style contribute to a dynamic and engaging representation of American figure skating.

The U.S. women’s short program at the Winter Olympics will showcase the “Blade Angels,” who embody individuality and artistic freedom. Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito represent a hopeful new era, aiming to transform years of hope into tangible success on the Olympic ice. Their performances not only signal a potential end to the medal drought but also a reassertion of U.S. women’s figure skating on the world stage.