12 Facts About Team USA’s Blade Angels Figure Skaters
Team USA’s women’s figure skating trio—Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito—have captured attention as the “Blade Angels.” This nickname emerged from a viral social media clip featuring a Taylor Swift voiceover introducing them in glamorous style. The skaters compete in the women’s free skate event today, February 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET in Milan-Cortina.
Key Achievements and Backgrounds
Amber Glenn stands as the fourth U.S. woman to land a clean triple Axel in international competition. She follows Tonya Harding (1991), Mirai Nagasu (2018 Olympics), and teammate Alysa Liu (2018).
Alysa Liu executed the triple Axel internationally at just 12 years old in 2018, marking her as the third American woman to achieve this feat.
At age 13, Alysa Liu claimed the title of youngest U.S. Figure Skating champion in history.
Isabeau Levito captivates with her balletic grace and lyrical style. She blends high technical skills with deep musical expression and emotional storytelling, connecting powerfully with audiences. At 18, these Olympics mark her debut.
In 2019, 14-year-old Alysa Liu made history as the first U.S. woman to land a quadruple jump—a quad Lutz—in competition during a junior event.
Isabeau Levito draws her unique name from Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, Isabeau d’Anjou, in the 1985 film Ladyhawke, her mother’s favorite movie.
Isabeau started skating at age 3. Her mother, Chiara Garberi-Levito, enrolled her after being inspired by the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Amber Glenn secured three straight U.S. national titles from 2024 to 2026, the first American woman to do so since Michelle Kwan.
Amber Glenn, at 26, represents the oldest singles figure skater competing for the U.S. at these Winter Olympics.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Isabeau Levito has strong ties to Milan. Her mother hails from there, and her grandmother lives just 13 minutes from the Olympic rink.
Alysa Liu retired at 16 in 2022 after contributing to Team USA’s bronze medal in Beijing. Feeling “trapped and stuck,” she pursued a normal teen life, earning her driver’s license, gaming with siblings, and attending UCLA. Returning on her terms, she states, “This is a better version [of me]. I chose to be here… I loved that I was able to come back and choose my own destiny.” Now, she selects her own music, costumes, and choreography to express her art.
Amber Glenn publicly identified as bisexual and pansexual in a 2019 interview. “The fear of not being accepted is a huge struggle for me,” she shared. “I don’t want to shove my sexuality in people’s faces, but I also don’t want to hide who I am.” As the first openly LGBTQ+ U.S. figure skater, she overcame fears of judgment on her femininity and grace, aiming to break stereotypes for others.
These athletes showcase talent, resilience, and camaraderie, positioning Team USA strongly in women’s figure skating.
