2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating
The air in Milan feels different tonight. It is crisp, cold, and filled with the kind of tension that only an Olympic final can bring. We have waited four years for this moment. The 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating is finally here, and it is not just a competition. It is a story waiting to be written. Tonight, the ice will tell us who has the heart of a champion.
If you have been following the journey, you know the short program set the stage on fire. We saw history being made, with young stars rising and veterans holding their ground. But the free skate? That is the main event. That is where legends are born. The skaters will perform a four-minute program, pushing their bodies to the limit with triple axels, quad jumps, and spins that blur the lines between human and art.
For the United States, this is a massive night. We are looking at a potential end to a 20-year medal drought in this discipline. Alysa Liu stands at the center of this storm, carrying the hopes of a nation on her blades. But she is not alone. The “Blade Angels”—Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito—are ready to fight. Whether you are a lifelong figure skating fan or just tuning in for the drama, you are in the right place. Let us break down everything you need to know about this epic finale of the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating.
The Current Standings: A Three-Way Battle for Glory
Before we dive into the predictions, we have to look at the scoreboard. After the short program, we have a photo finish on our hands. The top three are separated by just over two points. In figure skating, that is practically a tie. Japan’s Ami Nakai sits in first place with a stunning score of 78.71. Right behind her is her teammate, the three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, with 77.23. And lurking in third, just waiting to pounce, is America’s very own Alysa Liu with 76.59. These numbers tell us one thing: the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating is wide open. No one has a safe lead.
| Rank | Skater | Country | Short Program | Free Skate (projected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ami Nakai | Japan | 78.71 | — |
| 2 | Kaori Sakamoto | Japan | 77.23 | — |
| 3 | Alysa Liu | USA | 76.59 | — |
| 4 | Mone Chiba | Japan | 72.84 | — |
| 5 | Adeliia Petrosian | AIN | 71.22 | — |
The United States’ “Blade Angels”: Chasing History
Let’s talk about Team USA. We have not had a woman win a figure skating medal since Sasha Cohen in 2006. That changes tonight. Alysa Liu is our best shot. She is the reigning world champion, and she looks more relaxed than ever. After taking a two-year break from the sport, she came back with a new love for skating. That joy shows in her performance. Her short program was flawless, and if she can bring that same energy to the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating, the gold is within reach. But let’s not forget the other members of the “Blade Angels.” Isabeau Levito is sitting in eighth place. She is about six points behind the leader. That sounds like a lot, but in the free skate, points pile up fast. Levito has the artistry and the grace to move up if those ahead of her make mistakes. Then there is Amber Glenn. She had a rough short program—her triple loop was invalidated, leaving her in 13th place. But here is the good news: Amber Glenn is the only American woman attempting a triple axel. If she lands it in the free skate, she could rocket up the standings. She has nothing to lose, and that makes her dangerous.
Japan’s Dominance: Can They Sweep the Podium?
Japan has been the superpower of figure skating at these Games. They already have medals in the men’s and pairs events. Now, they are looking at a possible sweep in the women’s competition. Ami Nakai, Kaori Sakamoto, and Mone Chiba are all in the top four. That is incredible depth. Mone Chiba sits in fourth place, just a hair behind Alysa Liu. If Liu makes a tiny error, Chiba is ready to take her spot. For Sakamoto, this is personal. She is 25 years old, and this is likely her last Olympics. She has won everything except this individual gold. Her free skate is powerful and emotional. She wants to leave a legacy. And then there is Nakai, the 17-year-old phenom. She is the youngest competitor, but she skates with the confidence of a veteran. The 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating could be the night Japan makes history.
The Wild Card: Adeliia Petrosian and the Quad Revolution
We cannot talk about this final without mentioning the elephant in the room: Adeliia Petrosian. She is competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete from Russia. Because of the ongoing situation in the world, Russia is banned from team events. But Petrosian was cleared to compete individually, and she is a mystery to most fans. Why is she a threat? Because she does quads. In the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating, skaters are allowed seven jump elements. Petrosian is the only woman in the field who regularly practices quadruple jumps. A clean quad is worth more than any triple jump. If she lands one, she could leap from fifth place straight onto the podium. She is the ultimate wild card. The judges haven’t seen her much internationally, so her scores are hard to predict. But one thing is certain: she has the power to shake up the entire leaderboard.
| Element | Base value | Skaters attempting (top 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Axel | 8.00 | Ami Nakai, Amber Glenn |
| Quad toe loop | 9.70 | Adeliia Petrosian |
| Triple Lutz+Triple Loop | 11.22 | Alysa Liu, Kaori Sakamoto |
Understanding the Free Skate: Jumps, Spins, and Scoring
If you are new to figure skating, the scoring can look like a foreign language. Let me simplify it for you. In the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating, the skaters perform a four-minute program. They are judged on two main things: Technical Elements and Program Components. The Technical Score is all about the jumps and spins. There are seven jump elements allowed. Skaters get higher points for harder jumps. For example, a triple axel is worth more than a triple lutz. If they do these jumps in the second half of the program, they get a bonus because they are more tired. Then there is the Program Components Score, which is the artistic side. Judges look at skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, and interpretation of the music. This is where skaters like Kaori Sakamoto shine. Even if she does slightly easier jumps, her artistry keeps her scores high. The total score from the short program and the free skate is added up to decide the medals.
Key Moments to Watch During the Final
When you watch the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating, do not blink. The first group of skaters will take the ice to warm up the crowd. But the real action starts with Group 4. This is where the contenders are. Keep your eyes on the screen when Adeliia Petrosian skates. If she attempts a quad, the arena will go silent. Then, watch for Mone Chiba. She is often overlooked, but she is rock solid. When Alysa Liu steps onto the ice, the American fans will be holding their breath. She needs to stay calm and hit her combinations. Following her will be Kaori Sakamoto. She feeds off the crowd’s energy. If she gets going, it is hard to stop her. And finally, the last skater of the night: Ami Nakai. Closing the show is both an honor and a curse. She will know exactly what score she needs to beat. The pressure is immense.
The Storylines: Comebacks, Retirements, and Dreams
What makes the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating so special are the human stories behind the scores. Take Alysa Liu, for example. She retired at 17 years old. She was burned out. She went to law school, hung out with friends, and grew up. Then, she felt the pull of the ice again. Her comeback story is one of the most inspiring in sports. She is skating for herself now, and that freedom makes her beautiful to watch. Then there is Kaori Sakamoto. She is the veteran. She has seen it all. She cries after her skates not because of the scores, but because of the emotion of performing. For her, this is the final chapter. She wants to end it with gold. And Ami Nakai represents the future. She grew up watching Mao Asada, another Japanese legend. Now, she is living her dream. These stories collide on the ice tonight.
The Venue: Milano Cortina’s Magical Atmosphere
The setting for the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating is breathtaking. The arena is packed with flags from all over the world. Italian fans are loud and passionate. They cheer for everyone, but they have a soft spot for the underdogs. The ice is fast, and the lighting is dramatic. Skaters often say that the Olympics feel different from World Championships. There is a weight in the air. Every breath echoes. When a skater lands a big jump, the roar of the crowd is deafening. This is the stage where athletes become immortal.
Predictions: Who Takes the Gold?
Trying to predict the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating is like trying to catch snowflakes. Every expert has a different pick. Some say Ami Nakai has the momentum. She is young, fearless, and already leading. Others trust Kaori Sakamoto’s experience. She has been here before. She knows how to handle the pressure. But do not count out Alysa Liu. She has the highest ceiling of the American women. If she skates the way she did at Worlds, she could score 150 points in the free skate alone. That would put her over the top. And then there is the Russian factor. If Petrosian lands a quad, all bets are off. My personal take? It will come down to the final skate. The gold medal will be decided by less than a point. That is how close this competition is.
How to Watch and Support Team USA
For fans in the United States, you can watch the 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating live on NBC and stream it on Peacock. The action starts at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you miss it, they will re-air it in primetime. Gather your family, make some popcorn, and get ready to cheer. These women have trained their whole lives for this moment. They deserve our support. Whether you are watching from New York, California, or anywhere in between, your positive energy travels. Send it to the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: The Ice Awaits
We have talked about the scores, the jumps, and the storylines. But when the music starts, it all comes down to heart. The 2026 winter olympics women single skating free skating is more than a competition. It is a celebration of the human spirit. These women have sacrificed so much to stand on this ice. They have missed birthdays, fought through injuries, and doubted themselves a thousand times. But tonight, they soar. For Team USA, this is a night of hope. Whether Alysa Liu brings home gold or Amber Glenn rises from the ashes, we should be proud. We are witnessing history. So, find your spot on the couch. Text your friends. Post your support online. Let the world know that we are watching. And when the final scores are announced, remember this feeling. This is the magic of the Olympics. Who will you be cheering for? Let us know in the comments below, and enjoy every second of the skate.