The atmosphere inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena is electric as the women’s figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicks off tonight. For the first time in two decades, Team USA enters the event with a legitimate triple-threat aimed at the podium, led by reigning World Champion Alysa Liu. Dubbed the “Blade Angels”—a nickname coined by Liu herself and popularized by a viral Taylor Swift-narrated promo—the American trio of Liu, Isabeau Levito, and U.S. Champion Amber Glenn faces immense pressure to secure the United States’ first women’s singles gold since 2006. As the Olympic women’s short program gets underway, all eyes are on whether this powerhouse squad can dethrone Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto.

The Rise of the ‘Blade Angels’: Team USA’s New Identity

It began as a playful suggestion in a group chat, but the moniker “Blade Angels” has quickly become the defining brand of the 2026 U.S. women’s Olympic team. Team USA Blade Angels—comprising Liu, Glenn, and Levito—represents a shift in dynamic for American ladies' skating, emphasizing camaraderie over cutthroat internal rivalry.

“I pitched ‘Blade Angels’ as a joke, but then we actually voted on it,” Liu revealed in a press conference earlier this week. The name exploded in popularity after NBC aired a promotional video narrated by Taylor Swift, framing the trio as “American showgirls on ice.” This unity will be tested tonight. While they are teammates, they are also fierce competitors who have traded titles over the last Olympic cycle. Glenn recently edged out Liu for the national title in St. Louis with a record-breaking short program, proving that any one of these women is capable of leading the pack.

Alysa Liu: The Comeback Queen’s Second Act

The narrative surrounding Alysa Liu figure skating has been nothing short of cinematic. After retiring at just 16 following the 2022 Beijing Games to “live a normal life,” Liu made a stunning return to competition in 2024. Her comeback culminated in a shock victory at the 2025 World Championships in Boston, where she became the first American woman to win a world title since Kimmie Meissner.

Now 20, Liu brings a matured artistic voice to Milan. Her short program, set to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” combines her trademark infectious energy with refined skating skills. Unlike her teenage years, where she chased quad jumps, Liu 2.0 focuses on quality, high components, and consistent triple-triple combinations. “I chose to be here this time,” Liu told reporters after a practice session on Monday. “That makes all the difference.”

Glenn and Levito: Power Meets Precision

While Liu holds the World title, Amber Glenn arrives in Milan with the hot hand. The 26-year-old is the only woman in the U.S. lineup planning a triple axel in the short program—a high-risk, high-reward element that could vault her into the lead. Glenn’s power skating is the perfect counterpoint to Isabeau Levito, whose classical style and exquisite lines have drawn comparisons to Olympic icons of the past.

Levito, the 2024 World Silver Medalist, has battled back from a foot injury that sidelined her for part of the season. Known for her consistency and calm under pressure, the 18-year-old is a dark horse for the podium. “We all have different superpowers,” Glenn said. “Alysa has the joy, Isabeau has the grace, and I bring the fire.”

The Sakamoto Barrier

Despite the hype, the path to gold runs through Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto. The three-time World Champion was imperious during the Team Event last week, winning both the short and free skate segments and defeating both Liu and Glenn head-to-head. Sakamoto’s speed and flow are unmatched, and she remains the betting favorite among figure skating medal favorites.

Milan-Cortina 2026 Results: What to Watch For

As fans around the world refresh their feeds for the latest Milan-Cortina 2026 results, the short program scoring will likely hinge on technical strictness. The technical panel in Milan has been calling rotations tightly, which could impact Liu’s under-rotation history. Conversely, if Glenn lands her triple axel cleanly, she could challenge the 80-point barrier.

The skaters take the ice starting at 6:45 PM local time (12:45 PM ET). With the “Blade Angels” looking to snap a 20-year gold medal drought, tonight’s short program is not just a competition; it’s a statement. The flight plan is filed; now, they just have to stick the landing.