Women’s figure skating officially commenced on Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, with the American team facing a challenging start to the competition. High expectations had been set for Team USA, but unanticipated difficulties during the short program have narrowed the spotlight primarily onto skater Alysa Liu.
### Early Expectations and Olympic History
Prior to the event, Kristi Yamaguchi, a former world champion and Olympic gold medalist, expressed optimism about American women’s prospects in figure skating. It’s noteworthy that the United States has not secured an individual Olympic medal in women’s figure skating for two decades. Yamaguchi underscored the importance of executing a flawless short program as essential for a chance at a medal, stating, “It’s imperative to have a clean short program.”
Joining Liu on the ice were Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, collectively known as the “Blade Angels.” As they entered the Olympic arena for the individual short program, Yamaguchi’s pre-event remarks weighed heavily on the athletes, highlighting that even minor mistakes could have significant consequences for their standings.
### Performance Breakdown
The competition proved to be challenging for Glenn, who struggled to complete her triple loop. This misstep resulted in her falling to 13th place after the short program. In contrast, Liu managed to clinch third place heading into the free skate, while Levito held eighth place in the rankings.
Yamaguchi reiterated the severity of mistakes during the short program, remarking that missing just one component could derail a skater’s chances for a competitive score. Despite Glenn’s tough position and Levito’s struggles, Yamaguchi noted that it is vital to return with strength in the free skate, even following an imperfect short program.
### Medal Chances and Historical Context
Despite the odds, the potential for a medal remains open for Glenn and Levito. Glenn trails third place by 9.2 points, while Levito is just 5.75 points shy of the bronze. However, achieving these margins typically requires errors from other competitors during the free skate. Historically, the consistency and mistakes among athletes have been unpredictable at the Winter Games, and this creates a glimmer of hope even for those starting behind the leaders.
Notably, the last American woman to capture an individual Olympic figure skating medal was Yamaguchi herself, who took home gold at the Albertville 1992 Winter Games, alongside fellow competitor Nancy Kerrigan, who earned bronze. The lengthy gap without an American female medallist underscores the significance of the current competition for the nation’s figure skating legacy.
### The Allure of Women’s Figure Skating
Yamaguchi articulated a sentiment regarding the allure of women’s figure skating as a major component of the Olympic Games, suggesting it is perceived as the “glamorous side” of the Olympics. She emphasized that the U.S. has historically excelled in this category, with a number of champions emerging over the years that have captivated audiences.
Combining artistry with athleticism, Yamaguchi pointed to the sport’s emotional appeal, suggesting that it resonates with audiences due to the athletic presentation and personal narratives of the skaters. This emotional connection is likely to draw viewers as the rest of the competition unfolds.
As the free skate approaches on Thursday, the athletes face a blend of pressure and opportunity. While personal and national aspirations hang in the balance, the unpredictability of the event adds an additional layer of intrigue to the unfolding storyline at the Winter Games.
In summary, with all eyes on Alysa Liu and the rest of the American team, the coming days will reveal whether the longstanding drought of Olympic medals for American women in figure skating will come to an end or continue into another cycle.
Source: Original Reporting
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