SportsFigure Skating

Alysa Liu Leads US Hopes in Figure Skating at Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics

4 months agoUS
Alysa Liu Leads US Hopes in Figure Skating at Milan Cortina 2026 OlympicsSource: nytimes.com
Alysa Liu is carrying American hopes in the women’s figure skating competition at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, facing tough challenges from Japanese rivals Ami Nakai, Kaori Sakamoto and Mone Chiba, along with Russia's Adeliia Petrosian competing as a neutral athlete.

Key Insights

Alysa Liu is a strong contender for a medal, sitting third after the short program, just 2.12 points behind leader Ami Nakai of Japan.

Japan has three skaters in contention for medals: Ami Nakai, Kaori Sakamoto, and Mone Chiba.

Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, is the only skater with a quad jump, making her a potential wildcard.

Liu emphasizes enjoying the sport and sharing her story, rather than focusing solely on winning medals.

Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, the other U.S. skaters, face an uphill battle after mistakes in the short program.

In-Depth Analysis

At the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Alysa Liu is at the forefront of the American figure skating team, aiming to secure a spot on the podium. The competition is fierce, with Japan's Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto leading the pack after the short program. Nakai, a 17-year-old newcomer, is followed closely by Sakamoto, the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist. Mone Chiba adds to Japan's strong presence in the competition.

Adeliia Petrosian, competing as a neutral athlete, brings an element of unpredictability with her ability to land a quad jump, something none of her competitors can do. Liu, the reigning world champion, is focused on enjoying her performance and sharing her story, a mindset that has helped her rediscover her love for skating after a brief retirement.

Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, the other U.S. skaters, are looking to bounce back after disappointing short program performances. Glenn, in particular, expressed her frustration after a costly mistake but remains determined to give her best in the free skate. The competition is far from over, as demonstrated by the men’s free skate where significant shifts in standings occurred due to unexpected errors by top contenders.

FAQs

Q: Who are the main contenders for the women's figure skating medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Alysa Liu (USA), Ami Nakai (Japan), Kaori Sakamoto (Japan), Mone Chiba (Japan), and Adeliia Petrosian (Individual Neutral Athlete).

Q: What makes Adeliia Petrosian a skater to watch?

She is the only competitor who can land a quad jump, which could significantly impact her score.

Q: What is Alysa Liu's approach to the competition?

She prioritizes enjoying her performance and sharing her story, rather than solely focusing on winning medals.

Key Takeaways

Alysa Liu is a top contender for the U.S. in women's figure skating at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The competition is intense, with strong skaters from Japan and a wildcard Russian athlete in the mix.

Unexpected errors can lead to significant changes in the standings, as seen in the men's competition.

Focus on enjoying the performance and sharing one’s story can be as important as winning medals.

Discussion

Do you think Alysa Liu will bring home a medal for the U.S.? Share this with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Related Articles

⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer