US Figure Skating's Dream Team Aims for Olympic Glory in Milan
Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito recently posed for a portrait after being named to the 2026 US Olympic figure skating team, symbolizing a new era of American dominance in the sport. This group, dubbed the "Blade Angels," along with other top skaters, forms a formidable squad that could redefine figure skating's place in the global sports conversation.
Depth and Collective Strength Define the US Team
On Friday morning at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, the United States will begin their defense of the Olympic figure skating team title, showcasing unprecedented depth in a sport often focused on individual brilliance. The team event, which spans two days and includes men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance, tests collective strength and strategic planning. Ten nations compete initially, with five advancing to the finals, forcing federations to balance early pushes with energy conservation for individual events later in the Games.
The US enters as defending champions, having been elevated to gold after the Beijing 2022 competition's fallout. With the largest roster at these Olympics, they are anchored by reigning world champions Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, alongside three-time national champion Amber Glenn and world silver medalist Isabeau Levito. This depth makes them hot favorites, but their success hinges on consistency and teamwork rather than mere star power.
Individual Stories Highlight a Modern Approach
Ilia Malinin, known as the "Quad God" for landing a quadruple Axel, aims to push skating into mainstream sports discussions. At 21, he has redrawn technical limits with programs featuring up to seven quadruple jumps, competing against possibility itself. His journey from alternate in 2022 to a defining athlete in 2026 reflects a focus on preparation and ambition to expand the sport's boundaries.
Alysa Liu's career has been marked by reinvention. After stepping away post-2022 due to burnout, she returned with a renewed focus on artistic expression rather than prodigy expectations. At 20, she represents athletes who define success on their own terms, potentially becoming the first American woman on the Olympic podium since 2006.
Amber Glenn, at 26, brings longevity and identity to the team. Her comeback from mental health struggles and openness about being LGBTQ have reshaped her skating, allowing her to land a triple Axel and win three national titles. She embodies persistence and self-definition in a sport that often favors youth.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, in their fourth Olympics as a married couple, provide stability and evolution. With world titles and seven US championships, they chase individual Olympic gold while expanding the sport's cultural footprint through media projects. Their partnership highlights trust and adaptation over time.
Isabeau Levito, at 18, represents continuity and technical tradition. Recovering from a foot injury, she approaches competition with calm routine and confidence, drawing on family ties to Italy for her programs. Her steady rise from junior to senior levels underscores reliability in American skating.
A Collective Statement on the Sport's Future
Together, these skaters form a roster built on complementary strengths: Malinin pushes physical limits, Liu redefines success, Glenn showcases longevity, Chock and Bates offer institutional memory, and Levito upholds tradition. This diversity reflects modern figure skating's blend of technical escalation, artistic evolution, and athlete autonomy.
The Olympic team event in Milan may reveal more than just medal potential; it could showcase a collective statement on what figure skating can become. For casual viewers, this team promises exciting competition, while insiders see a deeper significance in their stories mapping the sport's past and future. As they step onto Olympic ice, the US is not just building a dynasty around a single star but around an idea of collective excellence and innovation.
