Dynamic Trio of American Figure Skaters
In Milan (AP) – As the Olympic figure skating competitions approach, a dynamic trio of American women is set to make waves, challenging the traditional image often associated with the sport. This group includes Amber Glenn, a 26-year-old competitor known for her strength and commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy, who has navigated a tumultuous path to claim her title as the three-time and current U.S. champion. Her outspoken views on various topics, from politics to niche interests like “Magic: The Gathering”, have sparked both admiration and controversy at the Milan Cortina Games.
Remarkable Comebacks and Unique Identities
Alysa Liu, once a skating prodigy who stepped away from the sport at 16, has made a remarkable comeback. At just 20 years old, Liu captured the first world championship for an American woman in nearly two decades, showcasing her distinctive style highlighted by her funky blond-and-brunette striped hair and an eye-catching frenulum piercing; she embodies a figure embraced by the punk and emo communities.
Lastly, Isabeau Levito, while resembling the youthful innocence of earlier skating icons, such as Tara Lipinski, brings a sharp wit that reveals her true personality beyond the polished public facade. The 18-year-old has opted for the name “Blade Angels”, a playful nod to the iconic “Charlie’s Angels” which they feel better represents their unique identities compared to other suggestions, such as “Powerpuff Girls”, which they felt might bring unwanted legal troubles.
Fresh Role Models in Figure Skating
This trio acts as fresh role models, representing a new generation of American girls with diverse personalities and perspectives, each bringing her own flair while sharing a common passion for figure skating. With the American figure skating team facing a disheartening Olympics thus far, these women represent a glimmer of hope for fans and aspiring skaters alike.
Amber Glenn’s Journey
Amber Glenn, who has been an active competitor on the international stage for nearly 15 years, looks back at her journey with resilience. Hailing from Plano, Texas, and rooted in a family that balances police work and fitness, Glenn’s experiences reflect the struggles many athletes face, including an eating disorder and mental health challenges. Her acknowledgement of these issues adds depth as she speaks out about the political landscape affecting the LGBTQ+ community—particularly under the previous administration—and vows to use her platform to uplift others during difficult times.
Reflecting on her long and arduous journey in figure skating, she shared that she had contemplated leaving the sport due to the pressures and struggles she encountered. Yet, after stepping away, she found renewed passion and purpose, celebrating her gold medal victory in the team event during her Olympic debut and expressing gratitude for the supportive environment evolving within the sport.
Alysa Liu’s Unique Experience
Alysa Liu, on the other hand, brings unique Olympic experience, having previously competed in Beijing where her love-hate relationship with the sport ultimately led to her temporary exit. Following her departure from skating, she found freedom and self-discovery, engaging in personal development activities such as climbing to Mount Everest’s base camp and pursuing studies at UCLA in psychology. It was this exploration that reignited her love for skating and her remarkable comeback came as a total surprise, reminiscent of the excitement caused by her first title win in years.
Isabeau Levito’s Authenticity
Discussions surrounding Isabeau Levito highlight her admiration for past skaters, yet emphasize her desire to carve out her own identity beyond the ice princess archetype. Although she possesses a charming demeanor, what lies beneath is a bright humor and personality that she often holds back in public. Levito’s humorous jibes at her fellow teammates underline her innate wit, showcasing a more relatable side that resonates with fans who see her authenticity.
Inspiring a Shift in Figure Skating
As these three athletes take to the ice, they not only seek medals but also aim to inspire a shift in the perceptions of figure skating, bringing strength, individuality, and a new narrative to the sport as they embody the changing landscape of Olympic competition.
