Blade Angels Aim for Olympic Glory in Milan

Milan, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are set to showcase a thrilling competition in women’s figure skating, with all eyes on the American trio known as the “Blade Angels”: Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito. The skaters are poised to compete in the short program on Tuesday, with the top 24 qualifying for the free skate on Thursday.

A New Generation of American Skaters

The “Blade Angels,” a moniker inspired by “Charlie’s Angels,” represent a shift in American figure skating, moving away from traditional expectations. They chose the name after dismissing suggestions like “Powerpuff Girls” and “Babes of Glory” due to potential trademark concerns [Associated Press].

Meet the Blade Angels

• Amber Glenn: A 26-year-traditional powerhouse and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Glenn is a three-time U.S. Champion. Her outspoken views on various topics, including politics and gaming, have made her a prominent figure at the Milan Cortina Games. [Associated Press]
• Alysa Liu: The 20-year-old Liu took a unique path to Olympic contention, retiring at age 16 before making a successful comeback, culminating in a world title – the first for an American woman in nearly two decades. Her distinctive style, including blond-and-brunette striped hair and a frenulum piercing, has resonated with a younger audience. [Associated Press]
• Isabeau Levito: At 18, Levito brings a blend of grace and wit to the ice. Although appearing poised and traditional, she is known for her sharp humor and sarcasm off the ice. [Associated Press]

Beyond Figure Skating: Other American Highlights

The American team has already secured a gold medal in the figure skating team event. Elsewhere at the Milan Cortina Games, Mac Forehand is a strong contender in the men’s freestyle skiing big air final, having finished first in the qualifying round. Teenagers Jessica Perlmutter and Lily Dhawornvej will compete in the women’s snowboard slopestyle final. The U.S. Men’s hockey team has automatically advanced to the next round after an undefeated group stage.

Tuesday’s Schedule (Eastern Time)

• Snowboard: Women’s snowboard slopestyle final, 7 a.m.
• Curling: Women’s round-robin – U.S. Vs. Denmark, 8:05 a.m.
• Figure skating: Women skating – short program, 12:45 p.m.
• Freestyle skiing: Men’s big air final, 1:30 p.m.
• Ice hockey: Men’s qualification playoff – Sweden vs. Latvia, 3:10 p.m.

[NBC New York]