NBC's latest Winter Olympics 2026 promotional video has turned attention to a nickname that has been circulating within figure skating circles for weeks: 'The Blade Angels'. The label refers to the United States' women's singles trio — Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito — who are widely viewed as America's strongest Olympic figure skating contingent in nearly two decades.
The nearly two-minute promo, narrated byTaylor Swift, spotlights the three skaters' distinct strengths ahead of the Milano Cortina Games, where US women are chasing theirfirst Olympic singles medalsince 2006.
Amber. Alysa. Isabeau.Let@taylorswift13introduce you to the Blade Angels: Three American showgirls on ice.#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/rj4K3v5T3F
The nickname itself was not coined by broadcasters or fans, but by Alysa Liu. Speaking toOlympics.com, Liu revealed she pitched several possible group names in a team chat before 'Blade Angels' won the vote among the trio. She joked that if people disliked the name, 'it wasn't my idea' — though she confirmed it ultimately came from her suggestions.
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The term now refers collectively to Liu, Glenn and Levito, whose contrasting skating styles and recent results have placed them among podium contenders entering the 2026 Winter Games.
Alysa Liu, 20, is the reigning world champion and a returning Olympian after first competing at Beijing 2022. Sheretired from competitive skatingat just 16 before returning in 2024, later capturing gold at the 2025 World Championships — a comeback widely described as one of the sport's most notable recent storylines.
Born in California, Liu began skating at age five andquickly became knownfor her technical ambition, including landing triple Axels at a young age and becoming the youngest US champion at 13. Her current Olympic campaign is seen as more self-directed than her early career, with greater control over her programmes and training decisions.
Amber Glenn, 26, brings experience and resilience to the trio. Athree-time consecutive US national championand consistent triple Axel jumper, she is also notable as one of the first openly LGBTQ+ American women competing at the highest level of the sport.
Glenn hasspokenopenly about overcoming mental health struggles and eating disorders during her teenage years, crediting therapy and self-acceptance for helping her return to top form. Her advocacy for inclusivity and mental health awareness has become a defining part of her public profile alongside her competitive achievements.
Source: International Business Times UK
