alysa liu shines as Blade Angels open Olympic bid in Milan short program

MILAN — On Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), Alysa Liu produced a poised, near-flawless short program that left her firmly in the hunt for an Olympic medal as the U. S. trio known as the "Blade Angels" began their individual campaigns at the Winter Games. Liu’s performance drew a standing ovation at the Assago Ice Skating Arena and placed her among the top contenders after the short program.

Liu’s near-flawless program positions her for a podium push

Liu, the two-time Olympian and reigning world champion, skated to Laufey’s "Promise" with elegant lines and strong edge work, earning a score of 76. 59. A minor underrotation on her triple axel was the only blemish that kept her from taking the top spot, but the overall result left no doubt that she is a major threat in the event.

"I kind of liked it, " Liu said as she exited the ice to thunderous applause. She added that she felt "super grounded" and that she connected with the program on a deeper level than earlier in the season. After the short program, Liu sat third on the leaderboard behind two skaters who edged her by narrow margins, setting up a tight battle heading into the free skate.

Levito steady, Glenn falters amid emotional exit

Isabeau Levito delivered a controlled, elegant skate as well, opening with a triple flip into a triple toe loop that set the tone for the rest of her routine. Skating to selections from classic Milan films, Levito combined power with poise and posted a 70. 84, placing her eighth after the short program.

Amber Glenn’s night, by contrast, was a dramatic one. The reigning U. S. national champion failed to complete a combination jump in the middle of her routine, a mistake that dropped her score to 67. 39 and left her in 13th place. Overcome with emotion, Glenn was visibly upset as she left the ice.

"It’s only one missed jump, but it left her with a score that doesn’t reflect where she hoped to be, " a close observer of the team said of the sudden shift in momentum. Despite the stumble, Glenn’s position still sits within the advancing group, preserving her chance to rebound in the free skate.

Team context and what comes next for the Blade Angels

The three skaters—Liu, Levito and Glenn—arrived in Milan with high expectations and considerable resume lines between them. Collectively nicknamed the Blade Angels, they represent different regions of the United States and different styles on the ice, a diversity that veterans say is a strength as U. S. women aim to return to the Olympic podium for the first time since 2006.

Olympian Johnny Weir highlighted the geographic and stylistic range the trio brings, noting it is "very special that there’s a woman from figure skating representing each section of the country. " That mix of perspectives and approaches has generated both excitement and pressure as the competition progresses.

All three skaters advanced to the free skate, where the standings can shift dramatically. The free skate will determine medal positions and will be the proving ground for Liu’s bid to convert a confident short program into Olympic hardware. Levito will look to build on her steady showing, while Glenn must recover mentally and physically to climb back into medal contention.

With the short program complete, focus now turns to the longer free skates later in the competition. For Liu, the challenge will be to replicate the connection and control she showed in Milan. For Levito and Glenn, the next few days offer the chance for redemption and the opportunity to write the next chapter of the Blade Angels’ Olympic story.