Alyssa Liu among 'Blade Angels' reshaping U.S. women's figure skating

The U. S. trio targeting Olympic women's singles gold Tuesday night — Amber Glenn, alyssa liu and Isabeau Levito — have adopted a collective identity that matters beyond headlines: the "Blade Angels. " Their self-styling and disparate personal stories are being cast as a new image for American women's figure skating at a Games where national results have been under pressure.

Alyssa Liu and the Blade Angels

At the center of the group's alternative image is alyssa liu, described in recent coverage as a one-time phenom who stepped away from the sport at 16 and later returned. That comeback produced what was framed as the first world title by an American woman in nearly two decades. Liu's appearance — blond-and-brunette striped hair and a prominent frenulum piercing — and a noted nonconformist aura have made the 20-year-old a hero to alt, punk and emo fans.

Profiles of the trio

The Blade Angels label pairs three contrasting profiles. Amber Glenn is presented as a 26-year-old powerhouse and an outspoken LGBTQ+ rights activist; she is described as a three-time and reigning U. S. champion whose candid public views have made her a polarizing figure. Isabeau Levito is portrayed as closer to the traditional, innocent image of past teen champions in public, while off-camera she is noted for searing wit and biting sarcasm.

The trio rejected alternative nicknames such as "Powerpuff Girls" and "Babes of Glory, " citing concerns that some choices might cause trademark issues. They have framed their distinct looks and personalities as complementary: Levito summed it up by saying she liked that the skaters were all different, with aligned goals and a shared passion for the sport.

Glenn's personal background and struggles are part of the wider narrative around the group. Coverage notes she grew up in Plano, Texas; that her father works in law enforcement and her mother is a fitness instructor; and that she endured an eating disorder, spent time in a mental health facility, has coped with depression and ADHD, and identifies as pansexual. Glenn has also earned an Olympic gold medal from her Winter Games debut after helping the U. S. defend its title in the team event. She summarized that journey plainly: "I've been through a lot. "

What’s at stake Tuesday night

The trio is characterized as the last chance to salvage a disappointing Olympic showing for U. S. women's figure skating. Tuesday night's singles final is therefore being viewed as a high-stakes moment for their personal legacies and for the national program's reputation.

• They enter the final with contrasting public images that broaden the sport's perceived identity.
• Strong performances could change the narrative around the U. S. team's overall Games results.
• Weak outcomes would leave questions about whether the new image translates into podium-level scoring.

Forward look: if the Blade Angels deliver technically strong programs and receive favorable scoring, they may shift perceptions of the U. S. showing at these Games. If not, observers will likely focus on why the promise of distinct personalities did not convert into top-line Olympic finishes. Specific scoring outcomes and detailed schedules were not included in the available coverage and remain not publicly confirmed.