Above: Meet the faces of American skating: National champions Amber Glenn (left), Alysa Liu (centre), and Isabeau Levito(right) showcase the power of Team USA. Photo by SpiritedMichelle on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-4.0)
Team USA will have a few more days to grab the second spot in the medal tally as the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are in their final phase. The USA has won 19 medals, including 6 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze. Since they have been successful in most skiing events, fans would love a few more medals, but in Women's Single Skating - Short Program.
The air is thick with anticipation as the iconic trio of Team USA is ready to take on the world today, February 17, 2026. The 26-year-old powerhouse, Amber Glenn, will be leading the team of "Blade Angels", which has Alysia Liu, 20, and Isabeau Levito,18. While Amber and Alysia are both Olympic medalists, the young Levito would also be working hard to earn her first.
Also read || The Tigress of Cortina: Why Federica Brignone is More Than an Athlete
Why are they called Blade Angels?
Good morning, [Blade] Angels 😇 pic.twitter.com/20SATrEeIE
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) January 31, 2026
If you are from the Y2K generation, you might have heard of iconic trios such as The Sanderson Sisters, Powerpuff Girls, or Charlie's Angels. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Alysa Liu suggested the official nickname "Blade Angels" during a group chat where teammates were brainstorming ideas like "Babes of Glory" and "Powerpuff Girls". Since figure skating features specialized steel blades attached to the boots, the trio settled on "Blade Angels". Besides, they believe it is a tribute to the classic action-comedy Charlie's Angels.
With this name, they are redefining the image of American women's figure skating for the next generation. All three of these figure skaters are ranked in the top five globally by the International Skating Union. Beyond the skaters themselves, a similar name, the "Knife Angel," refers to a famous 27-foot-tall UK sculpture by artist Alfie Bradley, composed of 100,000 confiscated blades and serving as a national monument against violence.
Milano Cortina 2026: Amber leading the Angels
Amber, 26, is the oldest American woman to qualify for an Olympic singles team since 1928. Figure skating is a sport dominated by young athletes under 20, as it requires extensive athleticism, agility, and flexibility that decline as we age. Amber is famous for her thunderous triple Axel. While 26-year-olds are not very old, younger athletes have a slight edge due to their physique.
She represents the soul of a team that values resilience over perfection, proving that there is no expiration date for hard-working athletes. Her journey has lots of ups and downs. From not getting recognized to leading the team in Women's Single Skating - Short Program finals, Amber has come a long way.
Also read || Milano Cortina 2026: Ilia Malinin Delivers Clutch Performance for USA's Figure Skating Team Gold
Milano Cortina 2026: The Return of a Record-Breaker
The record-breaking American figure skater Alysa Liu will be seen again on the ice rink. Who could have imagined that the young Alysa, who retired after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, would make an epic comeback by winning the World Championship in 2025, and an Olympic Gold medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026? With a gold medal in the figure skating team event, Alysa would be aiming for more today.
Alysa's performance in Milan proves that sometimes it is better to take a step back to redefine your path. With world-class technical prowess, Alysa would be the winning edge for Team USA. She knows how to handle pressure, and she's doing it for several years. The 20-year-old American figure skater would be putting her maximum effort to get a podium finish.
Milano Cortina 2026: The Elegant and Youngest Member
Isabeau Levito is the only teenager in the trio who will be playing tonight. Ranked 4th in the ISU World rankings, Isabeau brings unmatched artistry to the ice with her impactful performances. Her complex blade work is so intricate that people compare her to a prima ballerina. Born to an Italian mother and an American father, Milano would be the perfect place to create history and a beautiful homecoming performance.
Not only does she have a deep personal connection with the sport, but when you watch her skating, it's a soothing, soulful experience. This short program is designed to highlight Levito's fighting spirit and technicality under immense pressure. Her fluidity, quiet focus, and calmness in her performance are signs of a high-performing figure skater. Today is the day for Isabeu not only to honor her heritage but also to create a legacy of her own.
Also read || 7 Populous Nations with Zero or Tiny Presence at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
What to expect from the Women's Single Skating - Short Program
The "Blade Angels" trio has been transparent about the importance of mutual respect and mental health, and they aim to build a culture of inclusivity rather than cold rivalries. Today, they are not just competing for individual medals, but skating to prove what a supportive team environment can do. Their unity would be their greatest asset against the world's top performers.
The short program will begin at 12:45 p.m. ET and will be available on platforms such as Peacock TV, CBC Gem, 9Now, Stan Sport, HBO Max/Discovery+, and Jio Hotstar. Since there are no common global platforms, you can use the Olympic official website and YouTube for coverage in territories without official media rights.
