Who Are the 'Blade Angels'? Facts on American Figure Skaters Introduced by Taylor Swift in the New Winter Olympics 2026 Video

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 by Taylor Swift, spotlights the three skaters' distinct strengths ahead of the Milano Cortina Games, where US women are chasing their first Olympic singles medal since 2006.

How the 'Blade Angels' Nickname Started

The nickname itself was not coined by broadcasters or fans, but by Alysa Liu. Speaking to Olympics.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.

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: The Comeback World Champion

Alysa Liu, 20, is the reigning world champion and a returning Olympian after first competing at Beijing 2022. She retired from competitive skating at 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 and quickly became known for 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: Trailblazer and Triple Axel Specialist

Amber Glenn, 26, brings experience and resilience to the trio. A three-time consecutive US national champion and 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 has spoken openly 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.

Isabeau Levito: Precision and Artistic Consistency

At 19, Isabeau Levito is the youngest of the group but already an established presence on the international circuit. A world silver medallist and former US champion, Levito is recognised for her technical consistency and ballet-influenced artistry.

She began skating at three after watching the 2010 Winter Olympics and has steadily climbed the ranks, collecting medals across junior and senior levels. Her programmes often emphasise musical interpretation and clean execution, positioning her as a stylistic counterbalance to Glenn's power and Liu's athletic dynamism.

Why the Trio Matters for Team USA

The three skaters enter Milano Cortina ranked among the world's top competitors and each medalled at recent US Championships, strengthening expectations of a potential Olympic podium return for American women.

Commentators including Tara Lipinski have described the trio as one of the strongest US women's line-ups in decades, with each athlete offering a distinct competitive edge — Glenn's technical power, Liu's fearless comeback narrative and Levito's refined precision.

The Swift-narrated promo has now pushed the nickname 'Blade Angels' further into mainstream awareness, framing the trio as central figures in Team USA's bid to end a 20-year Olympic medal drought in women's singles figure skating.