alysa liu shines as Blade Angels open with mixed results at Winter Olympics
MILAN — On Tuesday night (Feb. 17, 2026 ET) the U. S. women's trio known as the Blade Angels began their individual quests in the Olympic ladies' event with a performance that mixed promise and disappointment. Alysa Liu led the Americans with a graceful short program that left her solidly in medal contention, while Amber Glenn suffered a costly error and Isabeau Levito delivered a controlled, polished outing.
Liu's near‑flawless skate puts her in strong position
Alysa Liu, the two‑time Olympian and reigning world champion, opened the American challenge and produced one of the night’s cleanest showings. Skating to Laufey’s “Promise, ” she earned a 76. 59 for a program praised for its musical connection, composure and clean presentation. A minor under‑rotation on her triple axel prevented an even higher total, but the score left her third on the leaderboard behind two skaters from Japan.
Exiting the ice to a standing ovation, Liu said she felt especially grounded and felt a deeper connection to the choreography than at any point this season. That confidence, coupled with her technical firepower, keeps her in the conversation for an individual medal — a feat no American woman has managed since 2006.
Glenn's mistake costs momentum; Levito steadies herself
Amber Glenn arrived in Milan as the reigning U. S. national champion with high hopes, but her night unraveled when she was unable to complete a combination jump in the middle of her routine. The mistake undermined an otherwise competitive skate and resulted in a 67. 39, placing her far down the standings and leaving her visibly distraught as she left the ice.
Isabeau Levito, meanwhile, produced a measured performance set to selections from classic Italian films. She opened with a triple flip–triple toe combination and maintained the elegant, controlled style that has become her trademark, scoring 70. 84 to sit eighth after the short program. Levito’s technique and presentation suggest she remains a contender for a strong free skate and potential movement up the scoreboard.
Team picture and what comes next
The Blade Angels — Liu, Levito and Glenn — arrived in Milan with a rare concentration of U. S. women’s talent. Collectively they bring international medals and national titles, though only Liu competed at the Beijing Games. The team also contributed to earlier success in the team event, giving each skater experience on the Olympic ice well ahead of their individual campaigns.
With the short program completed, the free skate will be decisive. Liu’s near‑peak form gives her a clear chance to climb the podium; Levito’s steady skate leaves room for upward movement if she nails her free program; Glenn faces a steeper climb but still has time to regroup before the free skate. The American contingent will aim to break a long medal drought in the ladies' event, and the next two segments of competition will determine whether any of the Blade Angels can deliver on that objective.
Competition resumes with the free skate, where technical risk and composure under pressure will determine the final medal picture. For now, Liu has thrust herself into the conversation, Levito remains within striking distance, and Glenn must rebuild confidence if she hopes to contend for a medal in the final phase.
