Meet the Blade Angels Chasing Olympic Gold in Italy
Three American figure skaters called the Blade Angels are competing to break a 23-year gold medal drought at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their friendship, authenticity, and incredible skills have caught the attention of Madonna and Taylor Swift.
The last time an American woman won gold in Olympic figure skating was 2002, but three friends are about to change that.
Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito call themselves the Blade Angels. They're representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, and the whole nation is watching.
Figure skating is the most anticipated event at these Games. A recent survey found that 56% of Americans plan to tune in, making it the most popular winter sport to watch.
The women's short program starts Tuesday, and only the top 24 skaters will advance to Thursday's free skate final. All three Blade Angels are medal contenders with impressive records behind them.
Liu won the 2025 world championship. Glenn has claimed three U.S. championship titles. Levito earned silver at the 2024 world championships.
But their athletic achievements are only part of what makes them special. The trio has captivated audiences with their genuine friendship and authentic personalities, breaking the mold of what Olympic athletes are "supposed" to be like.
Glenn made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to compete in Olympic women's figure skating. Their openness and bravery have resonated far beyond the rink.
Even celebrities are cheering them on. Madonna sent Glenn a personal video message saying "Go get that gold." Taylor Swift introduced the three skaters in an NBC Olympics video, adding star power to their already bright spotlight.
Why This Inspires
The Blade Angels represent something bigger than medals. They're showing young athletes everywhere that you don't have to hide who you are to achieve greatness.
Their friendship adds another layer of inspiration. In a sport where competitors often train in isolation, these three have chosen to lift each other up. They celebrate each other's wins and support each other through challenges.
They're rewriting the narrative of what it means to be an Olympic athlete: fierce on the ice, but authentic and joyful everywhere else.
If one of them stands on that podium Thursday night, it won't just end a 23-year drought. It will mark the beginning of a new era in American figure skating, one where athletes can be exactly who they are while reaching for gold.
Based on reporting by Fast Company
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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