Figure skating at the Winter Olympics has always been a stage for breathtaking moments, but this year, it’s also become a battleground of emotions and unexpected turns. And here’s where it gets controversial: despite high hopes, the U.S. women’s figure skating team finds itself in a tougher spot than anyone anticipated. But don’t count them out just yet—there’s still time to turn it around.
On Tuesday, during the women’s short program, Amber Glenn delivered a performance that was almost flawless—until it wasn’t. She landed a double loop instead of the intended triple, a mistake that cost her dearly in the eyes of the judges. But here’s the part most people miss: even with that error, her routine was a testament to her skill and resilience. The crowd’s reaction? A mix of awe and sympathy as she left the ice in tears, her score of 67.39 placing her 13th overall. For a skater who’d nailed a rare triple axel earlier in her program, it was a bittersweet moment that sparked debates about scoring fairness.
Meanwhile, Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, stole the spotlight with a season-best performance that landed her in third place. Skating to Laufey’s Promise, Liu’s routine was a masterclass in power and precision. And this is where it gets interesting: Liu, who once retired as a teenager only to return with a focus on creativity over competition, now carries the weight of U.S. medal hopes. Her journey from burnout to rediscovery is a story that resonates far beyond the ice.
Isabeau Levito, at just 18, showcased elegance in her routine to Almost In Your Arms, Zou Bisou Bisou, finishing eighth. Her performance, while not medal-worthy on Tuesday, hinted at a bright future for the young skater.
Glenn’s Olympic debut at 26 was particularly poignant. As a vocal advocate for mental health, her struggles with anxiety and depression have been well-documented. Watching her react to her score, it was impossible not to feel the weight of her journey. Liu, speaking to reporters, summed it up perfectly: ‘She works so freaking hard… I just want her to be happy.’
Now, the pressure shifts to Thursday’s free skate, where half of the overall score is decided. Can Liu clinch a medal? Will Glenn rebound? Or will an underdog rise to the occasion? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport where perfection is the standard, should a single mistake define a skater’s legacy? Let’s discuss in the comments—and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Rachel Goes to the Games, for more behind-the-scenes insights from the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
