Skating Trio Faces Pressure for U.S. Medals
The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in Milan Cortina, Italy, with American figure skaters Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, collectively dubbed the 'Blade Angels', set to compete in the women's short program. This event carries significant weight for the United States, as the trio aims to secure a medal and potentially end a U.S. drought in figure skating. Their performances are also noted for redefining the image of American women's figure skating, with personal journeys and coping mechanisms becoming part of their public narrative.
Event Schedule and Key Competitors
Tuesday's Olympic schedule included several key events relevant to American athletes:
Snowboard Slopestyle Final (Women's): A final event where American teens were expected to compete.
Curling (Women's Round-Robin): The U.S. faced Denmark.
Figure Skating (Women's Short Program): Glenn, Liu, and Levito were scheduled to skate starting at 12:45 p.m. Eastern.
Freestyle Skiing (Men's Big Air Final): American Mac Forehand was noted as being in a strong position for a medal.
Ice Hockey (Men's Qualification Playoff): Sweden played Latvia.
'Blade Angels' - Individual Journeys
The 'Blade Angels' have unique stories that add a layer to their Olympic presence:
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Amber Glenn: A three-time national champion, Glenn combines powerful skating with emotional delivery. She has discussed how new age restrictions might alleviate pressure on young skaters.
Alysa Liu: Liu has spoken openly about her experiences with ADHD and a period of seeking treatment in a mental health facility to manage depression. She has learned to cope with these challenges, noting that she "really didn't like it" at one point but has since met many new people and sought to "get away" from difficult feelings.
Isabeau Levito: As the most recent U.S. skater to compete, Levito has spent time in the Olympic village. Her concerns have included managing her schedule and preparing for the event, with a recent one-hour on-ice training session highlighted.
Technical Prowess and Competitive Landscape
The women's figure skating short program is a technically demanding event. Skaters like Amber Glenn are noted for incorporating difficult jumps, such as the triple Axel, which offers a higher potential base score. Out of 29 skaters qualified for the women's short program, the 'Blade Angels' represent a significant American contingent aiming for the podium.
Media and Cultural Resonance
The 'Blade Angels' have garnered significant media attention, including a partnership with recording artist Taylor Swift. In a video released by NBC, Swift introduced Glenn, Liu, and Levito, referring to them as "three American showgirls on ice" and emphasizing their role as teammates and friends. This collaboration highlights the skaters as role models for a new generation, blending athletic competition with cultural influence.
Expert Observations
While not explicitly detailed in the provided summaries, the narratives surrounding Glenn, Liu, and Levito suggest a focus on their mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure. Their willingness to share personal struggles could be seen as a departure from traditional stoicism in sports, potentially resonating with a wider audience and contributing to their "redefining the image" of U.S. women's figure skating.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The 'Blade Angels' are positioned at the forefront of the women's figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their performances in the short program are critical for their medal aspirations and for Team USA's overall success. The blend of athletic skill, personal resilience, and public profile suggests a significant chapter in American figure skating is unfolding in Milan Cortina.
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Used Sources & Context:
ESPN: Provides a broad overview of the 2026 Winter Olympics, including schedules and updates on various sports and American athletes. https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47950323/2026-milan-cortina-italy-winter-olympics-best-moments-tuesday
NBC Olympics: Focuses specifically on the women's figure skating short program, detailing the involvement of Glenn, Liu, and Levito and the technical aspects of the competition. https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/blade-angels-glenn-liu-and-levito-skate-olympic-figure-skating-womens-short-program
Los Angeles Times: Reports on the 'Blade Angels', highlighting their efforts to break a U.S. medal drought and the personal challenges faced by skater Isabeau Levito. https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2026-02-16/can-blade-angels-win-united-states-first
Associated Press (AP): Discusses how skaters like Alysa Liu are changing the perception of U.S. women's figure skating, including their personal stories of dealing with mental health. https://www.apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-us-women-f526d8d269b0fc1656b177ed6a46175a
The Mercury News: Features the trio of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, focusing on their Olympic aspirations and their role as inspirations for younger skaters. https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/16/amber-glenn-alysa-liu-isabeau-levito-olympics/
The Wrap: Details a cultural collaboration where Taylor Swift introduces the 'Blade Angels' as "American Showgirls on Ice," emphasizing their story and appeal. https://www.thewrap.com/culture-lifestyle/culture/taylor-swift-winter-olympics-team-usa-blade-angels/
