The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has already delivered its share of unexpected turns, and the women's figure skating event is no exception. While all U.S. female skaters successfully advanced to the medal round, their initial rankings were lower than projected, intensifying the challenge for Thursday's free skate. Once considered strong medal hopefuls, the American contingent now faces a steeper climb to reach the podium, with only two athletes securing spots within the top ten after the short program.

American Figure Skaters Strive for Olympic Redemption in Milan

In Milan, on February 17, 2026, the initial phase of the Olympic women's figure skating competition unfolded with dramatic flair. The American team, affectionately known as the "Blade Angels," entered the event with high expectations, hoping to secure the nation's first individual figure skating medal in two decades. However, the short program proved to be a challenging start, leaving the U.S. women with ground to make up in the upcoming free skate.

Reigning world champion Alysa Liu, 20, delivered a compelling performance to Laufey's "Promise," earning her season's best score and positioning her in third place. She currently trails Japan's Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, setting up a thrilling contest for the top spot. Liu's routine showcased both technical prowess and artistic expression, signaling her determination to contend for a medal.

Isabeau Levito, 18, captivated the audience with her elegant routine set to "Almost In Your Arms, Zou Bisou Bisou." While she initially held fifth place, she concluded the night in eighth. Her performance demonstrated grace and precision, yet the competitive field pushed her down the ranks as the evening progressed.

The three-time U.S. champion, Amber Glenn, 26, made her Olympic debut with a powerful start. Her program, set to Madonna's "Like a Prayer," featured a rare clean triple axel, a significant accomplishment in women's figure skating. Despite an otherwise strong showing, a misstep on her final jump, landing a double loop instead of a triple, resulted in a points deduction. Glenn's visibly emotional reaction to her score of 67.39 highlighted the pressure of Olympic competition, placing her in 13th position after the short program. Her teammate, Alysa Liu, expressed solidarity and concern for Glenn, acknowledging her struggles with anxiety and depression and emphasizing the importance of her well-being.

The pressure now shifts entirely to Thursday's free skate, which will determine the final standings. For Alysa Liu, who retired briefly as a teenager before returning with a renewed focus on artistic expression over competitive outcomes, the journey is as much about personal fulfillment as it is about medals. Despite the initial setbacks, the U.S. women remain in contention, poised to fight for their Olympic dreams.

The performances at the Milan Winter Olympics underscore the intense pressure and emotional toll of elite-level competition. While the pursuit of medals is paramount, the candid moments of vulnerability and mutual support among athletes like Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn highlight the human element of sports. It's a powerful reminder that beyond the scores and rankings, the journey of self-discovery and resilience defines the true spirit of the Olympics. This event serves as an inspiring example of how athletes navigate immense expectations while striving for personal bests and camaraderie.