Winter Olympics 2026: 'Blade Angels' shine, stumble in beginning of quest for gold

Jay Busbee Senior writer Tue, February 17, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC·3 min read MILAN — The Blade Angels have arrived in Milan. Alysa Liu led Team USA’s much-heralded trio of skating women on the ice for Tuesday night’s short program. The two-time Olympian and reigning world champion, skated a graceful, near-flawless program to Laufey’s “Promise,” recording a score of 76.59.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement “I kind of liked it,” she said as she skated off the ice to a standing ovation from the Assago Ice Skating Arena crowd. Only a minor under rotation on a triple axel kept her from going to the top of...