Alyssa Liu and the Blade Angels: How a U.S. Trio Is Redefining Women's Figure Skating at the Milan Cortina Games

The U. S. women's figure skating team has arrived at the Milan Cortina Games with a new public face: a trio that embraces punk aesthetics, outspoken personalities and a group identity calling itself the "Blade Angels. " Among them, alyssa liu stands out as part of a broader shift that matters because these skaters are being cast as a last chance to reverse a disappointing run for American women at these Olympics.

Alyssa Liu: the comeback phenom and the alt figure

The skater described in coverage as a former prodigy has a story framed by early retirement and a high-profile return. After stepping away from competition at 16, the skater staged a comeback that culminated in a milestone world title for an American woman after a long gap. That same profile highlights a striking personal style — blond-and-brunette striped hair, a prominent frenulum piercing and a deliberately nonconformist aura — and notes she has become a hero to alt, punk and emo audiences. The profile lists her age as 20 and underscores how her trajectory has shifted public perceptions around what a top-level American woman skater can look and act like.

For many observers, alyssa liu is emblematic of the trio's broader rejection of the traditional "ice princess" stereotype. The group's aesthetic and attitude have opened conversations about diversity of image and identity in a sport long shaped by a narrow ideal.

The Blade Angels: three distinct paths, one shared goal

The three U. S. women targeting Olympic singles gold are deliberately different from one another and have leaned into those differences as part of their identity. They have chosen the name "Blade Angels" as an homage to an iconic action series, having dismissed other playful alternatives over concerns such as trademark issues. That shared identity frames them as a collective while each skater brings a distinct narrative.

• Amber Glenn: Profile material describes her as a 26-year-old powerhouse, an LGBTQ+ rights activist and the reigning three-time U. S. champion. Her career accelerated at a time when many skaters consider retirement. Background details include growing up in Plano, Texas, and long service representing the country internationally. The profile also outlines significant personal struggles she has publicly confronted, including an eating disorder, treatment for depression in a mental health facility, and learning to manage ADHD. She identifies as pansexual and has used her platform to address political and social issues; the coverage also notes she earned an Olympic gold in the team event at her Winter Games debut.
• Isabeau Levito: Described as the closest to the traditional teen image, the 18-year-old is nonetheless noted for sharp wit and biting sarcasm away from the cameras. Levito is quoted expressing appreciation for the trio's differences and shared objectives, emphasizing aligned goals despite distinct personalities.

Together, the three skaters are being framed not just as medal contenders but as new kinds of role models — athletes whose on-ice ambitions coexist with visible off-ice identities and advocacy. The coverage positions them as a focal point in what has been characterized as an otherwise disappointing Olympic run for American women's figure skating, making their singles performances especially consequential for national expectations.

What to watch next

The immediate storyline centers on the trio's singles competition, where they will vie for individual medals and the chance to alter the broader narrative for the U. S. women at these Games. Observers will be watching whether the Blade Angels' stylistic and cultural impact on the sport matches their competitive outcomes. Their contrasting backgrounds and public candor are likely to sustain media and fan attention, regardless of podium results, and may influence how future American skaters present themselves both on and off the ice.

Recent updates indicate the trio is focused on the coming singles finals; details and results may evolve as competition progresses.