The United States' top women's figure skaters, Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, are gaining attention not only for their athletic abilities but also for their unique camaraderie, leading to their collective nickname, the "Blade Angels." This trio represents a significant force in American figure skating, with expectations of strong performances in upcoming international competitions.

The term "Blade Angels" refers to Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, the women's singles skaters representing the U.S. They are seen as the strongest American contingent in women's figure skating in nearly two decades. The skaters are competing in various events, including the short program and the free skate.

The origin of the "Blade Angels" nickname appears to stem from the public's perception of their combined talent and the supportive relationship they share, standing out against a sport that can sometimes foster intense rivalry. Their collective success and individual strengths are being highlighted as they prepare for major events.
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The Trio: Individual Strengths and Collective Impact
The "Blade Angels" are comprised of three distinct skaters, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the ice:

Alysa Liu: A world silver medallist and former U.S. champion, Liu has achieved significant success, including winning a bronze medal in the team competition at the previous Olympics. She has spoken about her journey, including taking time away from the sport to focus on her well-being and personal growth, returning to competition with a renewed perspective. She is known for her athletic dynamism.
Amber Glenn: Described as having a powerful artistic approach and strong technical skills, including a consistent triple Axel. Glenn's performances are noted for their blend of power and artistic expression, making her a compelling competitor. She finished first at the U.S. Championships.
Isabeau Levito: Recognized for her technical consistency and ballet-influenced artistry, Levito's programs often emphasize musical interpretation and clean execution. She is considered a stylistic counterpoint to her teammates' approaches and is known for her clean skating.
The "Blade Angels" Nickname: A Symbol of Unity
The label "Blade Angels" has become synonymous with this group of skaters. It appears to be a term embraced by fans and media, reflecting their collective strength and positive image.
The nickname signifies the United States' strongest Olympic figure skating contingent in nearly two decades.
It highlights a perceived shift from potential individual rivalries to a more supportive team dynamic.
Competition Schedule and Performance Expectations
The skaters are scheduled to compete in key events:
The team event kicks off action at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on a Friday in February.
Amber, Alysa, and Isabeau were set to compete in the short program on Tuesday, February 17, at 12:45 p.m. EST.
They were scheduled to compete again in the free skate on Thursday, February 19, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
"Alysa Liu one-on-one: 'I never thought I would win Worlds'" - Olympics.com
Personal Journeys and Public Profiles
Beyond their skating achievements, the "Blade Angels" have also become figures associated with broader conversations:
Alysa Liu has openly discussed her experiences with ADHD, depression, and seeking mental health support, which has become a significant part of her public profile. She has also spoken about her comeback season and embracing competition as a chance to showcase her artistry.
The skaters' programs often showcase their individual styles, with Liu utilizing a Lady Gaga medley at one competition and switching back to her "MacArthur Park" free skate program for others, while also planning a new dress for the occasion.
The emergence of the "Blade Angels" signifies a compelling chapter for American women's figure skating, marked by impressive talent, individual journeys, and a united front on the international stage.
Sources:
Hello! Magazine: Details on individual skaters, competition schedules, and past Olympic achievements. https://www.hellomagazine.com/us/884454/meet-team-usa-blade-angles-women-figure-skating-members/
IBTimes: Introduces the trio, their status as the strongest U.S. contingent in years, and mentions their distinct skating styles. https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/blade-angels-usa-figure-skating-trio-2026-1779544
Sporting News: Focuses on the nickname's origin and identifies the members of the "Blade Angels." https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/who-are-blade-angels-usa-figure-skating-olympics-nickname/ad7eb3512af32050e9677e18
Olympics.com: Features an interview with Alysa Liu, discussing her recent successes and program choices. https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/alysa-liu-story-behind-naming-team-usa-blade-angels
KUAF (NPR News): Highlights the shift from potential rivalry to unity among the skaters and describes Glenn's strengths. https://www.kuaf.com/npr-news/2026-02-17/u-s-womens-figure-skaters-couldve-been-rivals-instead-theyre-the-blade-angels
AP News: Discusses how the "Blade Angels" are changing the image of U.S. women's figure skating and Liu's personal struggles and recovery. https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-us-women-f526d8d269b0fc1656b177ed6a46175a