The women’s figure skating event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opened with promise for Team USA, but the first night did not go as planned. Entering the short program, the U.S. women were seen as serious medal contenders. By the end of the session, however, they found themselves trailing the leaders, facing steeper odds heading into the free skate.
All three American skaters advanced to the final segment of the competition, which is no small achievement on the Olympic stage. Still, only two finished inside the top ten after the short program, leaving little room for error in the skate that ultimately decides the medals.
High Expectations Meet Olympic Reality
This U.S. team arrived in Milan carrying the nation’s strongest hopes in women’s figure skating in nearly twenty years. The combination of experience, youth, and technical ability made them a focal point of attention. But the Olympics have a way of exposing even the smallest mistakes.
As the short program unfolded, it became clear that precision would matter more than reputation. A few missed details were enough to shift momentum and change the tone of the competition.
Alysa Liu Keeps Medal Hopes Alive
Among the Americans, Alysa Liu delivered the standout performance. Skating late in the night, she produced a powerful and expressive routine that earned her a season-best score. Her effort placed her third overall, behind two skaters from Japan.
Liu’s position keeps the U.S. firmly in the medal conversation. With the free skate still ahead, she remains within striking distance of the podium and carries the bulk of American hopes.
Isabeau Levito Stays Within Reach
At just 18 years old, Isabeau Levito showed calm and control under pressure. Her elegant short program briefly placed her near the top of the standings before later performances shifted her position. She ended the night in eighth place.
Levito’s placement is not ideal, but it is far from discouraging. A clean and confident free skate could allow her to move up and finish the competition strongly.
A Painful Moment for Amber Glenn
The most emotional performance of the night belonged to Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion competing in her first Olympics at age 26. Glenn opened her routine with a clean triple axel, one of the hardest jumps in women’s skating and a rare sight at the Olympics.
However, a mistake on her final jump changed everything. She landed a double loop instead of the required triple, which significantly lowered her score. Despite an otherwise strong performance, Glenn finished the short program in 13th place, visibly shaken as she left the ice.
U.S. Standings After the Short Program
| Skater Name | Rank | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Alysa Liu | 3rd | Season-best performance |
| Isabeau Levito | 8th | Clean and composed skate |
| Amber Glenn | 13th | Strong start, late error |
Why the Fight Isn’t Over
The free skate makes up half of the total score, meaning the standings can still change dramatically. Skaters like Liu and Levito remain well within reach of higher placements with strong performances.
While the short program left the U.S. women behind, it did not end their chances. Olympic competitions often turn on a single skate, and the final chapter has yet to be written. With talent, resilience, and one more opportunity on the ice, the U.S. figure skaters still have a real chance to turn a difficult start into a memorable finish.
