The U.S. women’s figure skating trio of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito is rewriting the script on competition, blending record-breaking performances with unparalleled camaraderie—a dynamic that could propel them to Olympic glory in 2026.
ST. LOUIS — The women’s short program at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships didn’t just set records—it shattered expectations. Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, delivered a masterful performance, only for Amber Glenn, the two-time defending U.S. champion, to surpass her with a championship-record score of 83.05. Yet, the most remarkable moment wasn’t the skating itself—it was the laughter, the jokes, and the unmistakable bond between Glenn, Liu, and Isabeau Levito during the post-event press conference.
This isn’t the figure skating of old. Gone are the days of icy rivalries and locker room tension. In their place stands a trio of athletes who are as supportive off the ice as they are competitive on it. Their dynamic isn’t just refreshing—it’s revolutionary, and it’s positioning U.S. women’s figure skating for its strongest Olympic showing in two decades.
The Record-Breaking Night That Wasn’t About Records
Liu’s short program score of 81.11 was a statement—a world champion at the top of her game. But Glenn’s response was even more emphatic. Her flawless triple Axel and near-perfect execution earned her an 83.05, a new U.S. Championship record. Yet, instead of tension, the night was defined by mutual admiration.
Levito, who skated after Liu, didn’t retreat to the locker room to mentally prepare. She watched Liu’s performance, then celebrated her score. “That’s a really nice score,” Levito said, her excitement genuine. When Glenn took the ice, Liu returned the favor, staying rinkside to cheer her on. Their philosophy? “We came here to perform and show what we’re capable of and to entertain people,” Liu explained. “I love to be here and support.”
From Locker Room Tension to Laughter: A Cultural Shift
Glenn, the elder stateswoman of the group at 26, remembers a different era. “I remember the palpable tension between skaters older than me when I was starting out,” she said. Comparisons and rivalries “just got really out of hand.” The pressure to outperform one another often overshadowed the joy of the sport.
Today’s trio has flipped the script. “We’re all doing something that we’re passionate about and that we love, so we all just want to do our best at every competition,” Levito said. The vibes, as Glenn put it, are “immaculate.” Their camaraderie isn’t performative—it’s authentic, and it’s fueling their success.
Why This Matters for Milano Cortina 2026
The U.S. hasn’t won an Olympic medal in women’s figure skating since 2006. That drought could end in Milano Cortina, and this trio’s dynamic is a key reason why. Their mutual support creates a pressure-free environment where each skater can focus on peak performance.
“I just think that we are all trying to lift each other up, and in doing so, it just pushes people to the top,” Glenn said. “I think it’s just all about that and doing it in a healthy way. And that’s the future of our sport.”
U.S. Figure Skating will announce the Olympic roster on January 11, but all signs point to Glenn, Liu, and Levito leading the charge. If they do, expect a blend of record-breaking skating and the kind of unhinged, joyful energy that’s becoming their trademark.
The Fan Perspective: A Breath of Fresh Air
For fans, this trio is a revelation. After decades of high-stakes drama—think Tonya Harding vs. Nancy Kerrigan—their genuine friendship is a welcome change. Levito’s quip about Liu—“She keeps the hoes on their toes”—went viral, not for controversy, but for its lightheartedness. It’s a reminder that even at the elite level, sports can be fun.
“These two crack me up together. It is so funny,” Glenn said of Liu and Levito. “I love being at events with these two ladies. I’m so happy that we’re here together, and hopefully we will be together later this month.”
What’s Next: The Road to the Olympics
The 2026 U.S. Championships are just the beginning. With the Olympic roster announcement looming, the focus shifts to Milano Cortina. If this trio stays healthy and continues their upward trajectory, they could rewrite U.S. figure skating history.
For now, they’re enjoying the moment—and each other’s company. “I couldn’t help it,” Levito said of her viral comment, laughing. That’s the energy they’re bringing to the sport: unapologetic joy, fierce competition, and a friendship that’s as strong as their triple Axels.
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