alysa liu Leads Blade Angels in Milan Short Program; Glenn Stumbles
MILAN — On Tuesday night (Feb. 17, 2026 ET) the American trio known as the "Blade Angels" took to the ice in the individual women's short program, producing a mix of brilliance and heartbreak. Alysa Liu delivered a polished, near-flawless skate that left her squarely in medal contention, while Amber Glenn suffered a costly error and Isabeau Levito posted a controlled performance that kept her within striking distance.
Liu’s near-flawless outing puts her in the hunt
Alysa Liu skated a graceful program to Laufey’s "Promise, " earning a strong technical and component tally for a total of 76. 59. The two-time Olympian and reigning world champion said she felt particularly connected and grounded on the ice, a marked improvement over performances earlier this season. Only a minor under-rotation on a triple axel prevented her from moving to the top of the leaderboard.
Liu sits third after the short program, trailing Japan’s Ami Nakai (78. 71) and Kaori Sakamoto (77. 23). Her clean presentation and emotional connection to the music drew a standing ovation from the Assago Ice Skating Arena crowd and signaled that she is firmly in the mix as the competition moves toward the free skate.
Glenn’s error upends podium hopes; Levito stays composed
Amber Glenn, the reigning U. S. national champion, had a much different evening. Midway through her routine she failed to complete a planned combination jump, a single mistake that dramatically reduced her technical score and left her visibly distraught as she left the ice. Glenn finished with 67. 39 and sits 13th heading into the free skate, a deficit that will be difficult to overcome if she hopes to contend for a medal.
Isabeau Levito, skating to selections from films tied to Milan’s cultural heritage, opened with a triple flip–triple toe loop and maintained composed, elegant lines throughout the remainder of her program. Her total of 70. 84 put her in eighth place — not atop the standings, but in a competitive position for the free skate if she can deliver a strong long program.
Implications for Team USA and the remainder of the event
The Blade Angels arrived in Milan carrying high expectations. Collectively they offer star power and a blend of styles: Liu’s technical firepower and artistry, Levito’s classical lines and consistency, and Glenn’s athleticism and recent national success. Yet the United States faces a long drought in individual women’s Olympic medals; the last podium finish for an American woman in singles came in 2006. That history underscores the significance of every clean performance in this field.
All three skaters have spent the last week juggling downtime and practice following the team event, which concluded more than a week before the individual competition. They have leaned on long preparation and mutual support as they navigate the unique pressures of the Olympic stage. As one veteran commentator observed, the trio represents different regions and styles across the country, which has helped fuel public interest and internal momentum.
With the free skate still to come, Liu’s solid short program places her within arm’s reach of the podium. Levito will aim to build on her steady outing and climb the ranks. Glenn faces a tougher climb after her error but has the technical tools to attempt a comeback. Over the next two days, execution under pressure will determine whether any of the Blade Angels can break the long American drought in Olympic women’s singles skating.
