Alysa Liu’s Success Shines Bright as Amber Glenn Reflects on a Difficult Moment in Olympic Figure Skating

MILAN — U.S. Olympic Women’s Figure Skating Hopes Rest on Alysa Liu

In the women’s figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics, the United States’ aspirations now hinge primarily on Alysa Liu, who secured a third-place finish in Tuesday’s short program.

Liu, the reigning world champion, has the potential to end a 20-year Olympic medal drought for U.S. women in singles figure skating. The last American woman to earn a podium spot was Sasha Cohen in 2006. While Liu stands strong in the competition, both Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito fell short of the top tier, with only Liu emerging in the top six following the short program. Levito, who skated a clean routine, is positioned in seventh, while Glenn, despite starting strong with a triple axel, was left disappointed after losing points on her final jump and finishing in 13th place with 67.39 points.

After her performance, Glenn expressed her emotions on the ice, clutching her burgundy lace dress and tearing up as she embraced her coach. She lingered in the kiss-and-cry area to gather herself, processing her score before exiting the ice.

Liu drew some of the loudest cheers of the evening. Before her program, she exchanged high-fives with her coaches, who celebrated her successful execution of a challenging triple lutz-triple loop combination. After completing her routine, set to the piece "Promise," Liu covered her face with her hands, visibly emotional.

Japan’s Ami Nakai claimed the lead in the short program with a score of 78.71 points, becoming the only other skater to attempt a triple axel. Fellow Japanese competitor Kaori Sakamoto finished in second place with 77.23 points, and her departure from the ice was met with enthusiastic support from fans holding up orange towels adorned with her name.

Meanwhile, Levito made a notable Olympic debut, scoring 70.84 and taking eighth place. Performing a program that honored famed Italian actress Sophia Loren, the 18-year-old maintained her composure despite being the last U.S. skater to compete, turning in an elegant display that left her celebrating softly as she left the rink.

As the figure skating competition continues, all eyes will be on Liu as she carries the hopes of an American audience looking for a return to medal glory.