The women’s figure skating competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics began with high expectations for Team USA. Entering the short program, American skaters were seen as strong medal contenders, carrying hopes built over months of preparation and strong international results. However, the opening night delivered mixed outcomes, leaving the U.S. women farther behind than many anticipated.
While all three American skaters qualified for the free skate, their placements after the short program added pressure heading into the final phase of the competition. Only two finished inside the top ten, a result that shifted the tone from confidence to urgency.
High Hopes Heading Into the Short Program
The U.S. women arrived in Milan with momentum and growing attention. The trio of Alysa Liu, Isabeau Levito, and Amber Glenn were viewed as the nation’s best chance for an individual women’s medal in nearly twenty years.
Fans and analysts alike expected strong early performances. Instead, the short program revealed just how thin the margin for error can be on the Olympic stage.
Alysa Liu Keeps U.S. Medal Hopes Alive
Alysa Liu delivered the most encouraging result for Team USA. Skating late in the night, she performed a powerful and expressive routine that earned her a season-best score. Her performance placed her third overall after the short program, behind two skaters from Japan.
Liu’s result keeps her firmly in medal contention. With the free skate still to come, she remains the strongest U.S. hope for a podium finish.
Isabeau Levito Stays in the Mix
At just 18 years old, Isabeau Levito showed poise and elegance under pressure. Her short program briefly placed her in the top five before later skaters pushed her down the standings. She finished the night in eighth place, still within reach of a higher overall finish.
Levito’s clean skating and calm presence could work in her favor during the free skate, where strong execution can quickly change rankings.
A Difficult Night for Amber Glenn
Amber Glenn’s Olympic debut was the most emotional moment of the night. The three-time U.S. champion opened her program with a clean triple axel, one of the most difficult jumps in women’s skating. However, a mistake on her final jump proved costly.
Landing a double loop instead of the required triple lowered her score significantly. Despite an otherwise strong routine, Glenn finished in 13th place. Her disappointment was clear as she left the ice, marking a tough moment in an otherwise impressive season.
U.S. Standings After the Short Program
| Skater Name | Short Program Rank | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Alysa Liu | 3rd | Season-best performance |
| Isabeau Levito | 8th | Clean and composed skate |
| Amber Glenn | 13th | Strong start, late error |
Why the Free Skate Still Matters
The free skate accounts for half of the final score, meaning the competition is far from over. A strong performance can quickly change the standings, especially for skaters already inside the top ten.
While the short program was a setback, it was not a collapse. With talent, experience, and determination still on their side, the U.S. women have a real opportunity to rebound. As the free skate approaches, the pressure is higher—but so is the potential for redemption on the Olympic stage.
