Team USA is having a rough time at the 2026 Olympics, particularly in women’s figure skating, and it might not get any easier. Coming into the competition, this trio was considered one of the most skilled in American history, yet, after the short program on Tuesday, they’re facing a potential four-year extension of their medal drought.
Leading the group were Japan’s Ami Nakai (78.71 points) and Kaori Sakamoto (77.23 points), with California’s Alisa Liu close behind at 76.59 points.
New Jersey’s Isabeau Levitto placed eighth with 70.84 points, while Texas’ Amber Glenn left the ice in tears, struggling in 12th with 67.39 points.
Meanwhile, Momone Chiba from Japan secured fourth place (74.00 points), putting Japan in a position to sweep the podium in Olympic figure skating.
At the beginning of the day, Team USA had some decent hopes for a gold medal. Glenn, now 26, is notable as the oldest American woman in women’s singles at the Olympics since 1928. She’s also a three-time U.S. champion, making history in that regard, much like Michelle Kwan.
Levit, who’s 18, captured a silver medal in the 2024 World Championships, while Liu, aged 20, previously won gold in the 2025 World Championships.
Liu shone brightly in the recent team event alongside Glenn, offering the best chance for the U.S. to earn a medal in this event since Sasha Cohen achieved silver in 2006.
Notably, she’s the first American woman to claim gold in this event since Sarah Hughes at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002.
2026 Winter Olympics
However, Glenn’s performance, as one of the last to skate, possibly became a symbol of a disappointing tournament for the team. She initially seemed to be in the running after landing a triple axel early in her routine. Yet, a penalty for her final jump resulted in zero points due to an “invalid element” after she spun twice.
As she waited for her score, Glenn looked dismayed, reflecting on why she missed so many jumps, with frustration evident on her face.
Liu, concerned for her teammate, expressed, “She’s been through a lot and worked really hard.” She added, “I just want her to be happy.” Liu assured reporters that she’d check in with Glenn later, saying, “We will do our best together.”
