Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito represented the U.S. women’s figure skating team in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The accomplishments achieved by each of these athletes have inspired women and girls worldwide and are encouraging a new generation of female athletes, changing the way that society treats the profession.
Alysa Liu is a 20-year-old Olympic medalist who retired at the age of 16 before coming back on her own terms. A sport can quickly become someone’s entire life, and Liu felt a desire to focus on other priorities, previously expressing “falling out of love with skating.”
She made time for her friends, family, academics and ultimately figured out her identity outside of figure skating. It is honorable for a young athlete to prioritize their mental health and surround themselves with other interests that bring them joy.
When Liu decided to come back to skating competitively, she wanted to pick her own music, costumes and express herself creatively on the ice.
What’s even more impressive than an athlete retiring and returning on their own terms is winning an Olympic gold medal. Liu won gold in the women’s singles event, becoming the first American woman to win gold in individual figure skating since 2002.
Liu’s historic win demonstrates that athletes can prioritize their mental wellbeing and still win, refraining from the traditional ideals of placing immense pressure on professional athletes. Pushing athletes beyond their limits is emotionally, mentally and physically damaging. When an athlete is under extensive pressure, they run the risk of harming themselves physically within their sport.
Athletes constantly experience mental overload in the form of stress, anxiety and burnout. If an athlete cannot focus due to mental constraints, they cannot focus on their sport, which can cause irreversible damage to the body.
Liu has contributed to an environment where athletes can advocate for themselves in many ways. This mentality supports broadening the idea of what an athlete can look like, dress like, or what they eat, allowing them to not feel limited in terms of self-expression.
Amber Glenn is also an advocate for mental health. The 26-year-old Olympian won the gold medal in the figure skating team event alongside Liu. Glenn has been open about her struggles with anxiety, depression, ADHD and recovery from an eating disorder.
“I thought life was done for. There was eventually a spark that kept me going, that grew from the support around me and seeking help,” she said.
She couldn’t see a future for herself, yet persevered and sought professional guidance. That future included becoming an Olympic gold medalist.
Additionally, Glenn is well known for being politically outspoken. She came out as pansexual in 2019, and has since become the first openly queer woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic singles figure skating. During the 2026 Winter Olympics, she was asked about the Trump administration and its effect on the LGBTQ+ community.
Glenn said in an interview that it has been “a hard time” for the community under the Trump administration. She received threats on social media regarding her response, and stated that she would be limiting her time online.
However, she also made it clear that she “will never stop using my voice for what I believe in.”
It is admirable for an athlete like Glenn to use her platform to speak about her values and morals, and continue to do so after facing backlash. Seeing someone stay true to themselves despite retaliation is what makes them a role model.
Glenn is actively playing a part in this wave of athletes who feel safe and liberated coming out as LGBTQ+. Notably, hockey player Jesse Korteum came out as gay via social media in January, crediting the television show “Heated Rivalry” in his decision. One can only hope that Glenn’s actions will continue to inspire those who feel like there’s not a place for them in the world of sports.
Finally, Isabeau Levito is an 18-year-old Olympian who is the epitome of grace and elegance. Levito is often credited with maintaining an optimistic mindset while exhibiting technical precision effortlessly.
She is a 2024 World silver medalist, a six-time ISU Grand Prix medalist and the 2023 U.S. national champion. She competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics for the first time, representing new opportunities for the younger generations.
Women are often pitted against each other, but these women demonstrate female solidarity and sportsmanship. In a world where sports are naturally competitive, and frequently become incredibly toxic and dehumanizing, watching Liu congratulate her competitors, Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, is refreshing.
The U.S. women’s figure skating team represents sisterhood, resilience, advocacy and motivation for aspiring female athletes. The friendship between Liu, Glenn and Levito is heartwarming. They even came up with their own team name: “The Blade Angels.” The nickname is a combination of the film “Blades of Glory” and television show “Charlie’s Angels.”
Liu, Glenn and Levito have proven again and again that women are champions. Women are already held to a higher standard than men when it comes to athletics, but “The Blade Angels” are consistently exceeding societal expectations. They are inviting a new generation of women’s sports where women’s athletic achievements will not only be normalized, but celebrated.
