The powerful, personal politics of America's Olympic 'Blade Angels'

[Jilly_in_VA]

By Hannah Holland

They call themselves the “Blade Angels.” U.S. Olympians Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito are known across figure skating and, increasingly, among spectators for their technical skill and precision, creativity and camaraderie. Above all, they are known for their authenticity. In a sport still largely defined by traditional, narrow ideas of femininity and grace, Liu and Glenn are not stereotypical figure skaters. They lean into their athleticism. They are open about what they like and who they love. Liu is unabashedly alternative and Glenn is queer. Which means, whether or not they medal, their very presence at the 2026 Winter Games is political.

For all of the Olympics’ celebration of sport, athleticism and international goodwill, the Games have long been a stage for political statements: Think the Refugee Olympic Team in 2016; the U.S. and Soviet boycotts in 1980 and 1984, respectively; or U.S. medalists raising their black-gloved fists on the Mexico City podium in 1968 to highlight racial injustice.

The 2026 Games already feel especially charged, not only with some countries eager to defeat U.S. athletes as a sort of rebuke to the Trump administration, but also because the administration is at ideological odds with some outspoken American athletes. “It’s a confusing time to be wearing the Stars and Stripes,” U.S. cross-country skier Ben Ogden said Thursday. There “are aspects of being American I’m not proud of.” The announcement that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit would join the U.S. delegation — ostensibly to provide security — has added to tensions.

Skating events began Friday, with Liu and Glenn competing on behalf of a homeland in the throes of a cultural regression. Court rulings and state legislatures have restricted women’s autonomy in recent years. The Trump administration is promoting neo-traditional roles for women.

Against this backdrop, the Blade Angels, particularly Liu and Glenn, can be seen as opposition figures. They are powerful. They are themselves. They are unashamed. And they are succeeding.

https://www.ms.now/opinion/olympics-figure-skaters-alysa-liu-amber-glenn-women-politics

Hurray for them! Because I am sick and tired of female figure skaters being in the "baby ballerina" mode and expected to say nothing!

[FakeNoose]

1. Best of luck to them! I'll be rooting for all of our athletes at the Olympics