alysa liu Leads U.S. 'Blade Angels' into Medal Contention After Strong Short Program
MILAN — On Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), Alysa Liu delivered a poised, near-flawless short program that left her squarely in the hunt for an individual Olympic medal, while teammates Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn experienced very different nights at the Assago Ice Skating Arena. Liu’s performance put her third after the short program, giving the United States a clear contender as the competition moves toward the free skate.
Liu’s near-flawless short program puts her in medal hunt
Liu skated to Laufey’s “Promise, ” producing a graceful and well-connected routine that earned a score of 76. 59. The two-time Olympian and current world champion said she felt grounded and deeply connected to the program, and the ice reflected that composure. Only a minor underrotation call on a triple axel prevented an even higher mark; after the short program she trailed the Japanese skaters Ami Nakai (78. 71) and Kaori Sakamoto (77. 23).
The technical content and presentation combined to create one of the night’s stronger showings. Liu’s control in carriage, transitions and the emotional arc of her program won sustained applause from the arena, and her performance reassured American fans that she can be a genuine medal threat when the free skate arrives.
Glenn and Levito: mixed results for the other Blade Angels
The trio that has branded itself the "Blade Angels" arrived in Milan with high expectations, but the short program produced contrasting outcomes for the three U. S. skaters. Amber Glenn, the reigning U. S. national champion, struggled to execute a combination jump and failed to complete it, a mistake that cost momentum and left her visibly upset as she left the ice. Glenn finished with a 67. 39 and sits 13th after the short program, a large gap to close if she hopes to contend for a podium spot.
Isabeau Levito produced a steadier outing. Skating to selections tied to Milan’s cinematic heritage, she opened with a triple flip into a triple toe loop and maintained controlled, precise skating through the remainder of her routine. Levito posted a 70. 84 to place eighth, keeping herself within reach of moving upward when the free skate is delivered.
For Glenn, the error was a harsh reminder of the fine margins at this level. For Levito, the short program execution preserved the potential for a strong free skate. Together with Liu, they still represent one of the deeper American contingents in recent Olympic history.
Historical context and what comes next
The United States has not won an individual women’s Olympic figure skating medal since 2006, a drought that looms large for fans and competitors alike. The Blade Angels bring a mix of world and national titles and youthful energy, but they have limited combined Olympic experience — only Liu competed at the Games previously in 2022.
Olympian and commentator Johnny Weir noted the trio’s geographic and stylistic diversity as a strength, pointing out that the three skaters bring different regional backgrounds and performance flavors to the team. Their preparations included team event assignments earlier in the Games, which have left them managing both the high of a team gold and the downtime between events.
The real test comes in the free skate, when technical risk and endurance will determine the final standings. Liu’s short program has set a promising platform; Levito remains in a position to challenge with a clean long program; and Glenn must rebound quickly to reopen medal hopes. The next few days in Milan will reveal whether the Blade Angels can convert talent and momentum into Olympic hardware.
