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Meet US figure skating’s ‘Blade Angels’ competing at Olympics

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The ‘Blade Angels’ are the three U.S. women’s singles figure skaters at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The group consists of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito.
The name ‘Blade Angels’ was created by mashing up the movie titles ‘Blades of Glory’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels.’
All three skaters are considered strong contenders to win an individual medal at the Olympics.
The trio is known for their close friendship and supportive camaraderie in a competitive sport.

MILAN — It’s time for the ‘Blade Angels’ of the United States of America to take the figure skating ice.

Some of the most popular Team USA athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics − Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito − open their pursuit for individual gold with women’s short program on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Not only are they some of the best skaters in the world, but they have also captivated the nation for their pure appreciation and love for each other, which features plenty of fun and chaos sprinkled in.

So what exactly is the story of the ‘Blade Angels’? It’s a friendship that has been building for years, and is flourishing in the Olympic spotlight.

Who are the ‘Blade Angels’?

The ‘Blade Angels’ are the three U.S. women’s singles figure skaters at the Olympics: Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito.

Why are they called the ‘Blade Angels’?

When the three were selected for the Olympic team in January, they were trying to come up with a team name. At first, Liu suggest ‘Blades of Glory,’ since she had just watched the 2007 figure skating comedy film starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder.

The suggestion then got tweaked to ‘Babes of Glory,’ but there were copyright fears. Levito liked the ‘Powerpuff Girls,’ in reference to the animated show, but there were issues with that, too. Finally, Liu came up with ‘Blade Angels,’ mashing up ‘Blades of Glory’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels.’

‘I came up with a ton of like different ideas,’ Liu said in Milan. ”Blade Angels’ was my idea. There was a vote and everybody liked it.’

What makes the ‘Blade Angels’ so special?

When you get an introduction from Taylor Swift, you know it’s a big deal.

They aren’t just known for their friendship, either. All three skaters have a great chance of snapping Team USA’s 20-year skid without an Olympic medal in women’s singles. They are all capable of winning gold, too. The ‘Blade Angels’ have been stacking up accolades in recent years:

Amber Glenn: 2026 Winter Olympics team event gold medalist; 2024, 2025 and 2026 U.S. champion; 2024 Grand Prix Final champion; 2024 and 2025 Cup of China champion
Alysa Liu: 2026 Winter Olympics team event gold medalist; 2025 world champion; 2025 Grand Prix Final champion; 2025 Skate America champion; 2019, 2020 U.S. champion
Isabeau Levito: 2023 U.S. champion; 2023 Grand Prix of France champion

‘Blade Angels’ love

What makes this group so special is not just the talent, but also the camaraderie. They all have love and appreciation for each other, all wanting to share the spotlight together rather than trying to find glory for themselves, ‘like a comfort for each other,’ Glenn said. It’s a refreshing sight in a sport where that always hasn’t been the case.

‘We’re all such strong skaters, and we have such great strengths, and I really appreciate that we get to connect,’ Levito said. ‘It’s a really good environment to be in.’

Glenn, 26, has adopted the big sister role of the trio as Liu is 20 and Levito is 18. She said she is proud to see them grow from young girls to ‘incredible women.’ They’re always laughing together, and the friendship is what helps them thrive on the ice.

‘We are all individual artists, and we are all just doing the best that we can and not trying to fit into any shape or mold that anyone tries to put us into,’ Glenn said. ‘I think that is what has brought us back into such a successful just group of women in figure skating.’

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This post appeared first on USA TODAY