The buzz about figure skating is still going strong as one of the most anticipated events of the Winter Olympics. The women’s singles figure skating starts on Tuesday, February 17 in Milan-Cortina.
Ahead of the competitions expected to start on Tuesday, 30 women will take to the ice in Milan, all competing to secure a spot in the top 24 and qualification for the free skate. Of those 30 athletes, a few are expected to compete for gold.
Kaori Sakamato (Japan)
Kaori Sakamoto has dominated women’s figure skating since the ISU banned athletes in 2022. The 25-year-old from Kobe won three consecutive world championships from 2022 to 2024. She was the first Japanese woman to win three consecutive world titles since 1968.
Alysa Liu (United States)
Alysa Liu is the only woman to beat Sakamoto at a world championship since 2022. The 20-year-old from Oakland, CA secured the world title in her first season back on the ice with her remarkable performance. Liu has defied all expectations and is on his way to a historic world title. Last spring, she said, “I never dreamed of becoming a world champion after returning to the sport.”
Mone Chiba (Japan)
Japan has three gold contenders in Milano-Cortina and 2025 bronze medalist and 2024 Four Continents champion Mone Chiba in the second row. Chiba defeated world silver medalist Isabeau Levito and compatriot Ami Nakai. She was defeated three times while securing the Finlandia Trophy. Chiba with excellent pressure on the ice and technical precision could challenge all skaters for a model.
Amber Glenn (United States)
Texas’ Amber Glenn had a near-perfect 2024-2025 competitive season after winning the U.S. title and every competition she competed in at the world championships. Glenn made the jump on the Olympic team last week, becoming only the second American woman to make the jump at an Olympic Games. With her incredible feats, she could become the first American woman to win Olympic gold since 2022.
Adeliia Petrosian (AIN)
Petrosian entered Milan-Cortina with only hopes of women’s gold after the national skaters had won the previous four women’s titles. The 18-year-old from Moscow has won three consecutive championships. She has not yet practiced in Milan, but Petrotosian is able to win gold before February 14.
Amin Nakai (Japan)
Ami is a dream candidate for Olympic gold. The 17-year-old finished second to Sakamoto at the most recent Japanese Championships, and is the one who has really impressed fans and fellow skaters. The young star ushers in a three-time world championship.
Isabela Levito (United States)
Isabeau Levito has been a fixture for the U.S. women since turning a senior in the 2021-2022 season. The 18-year-old had particular success from 2023 to 2024, winning the 2023 U.S. National title. Her first Olympic berth brings her back to Milan, her mother’s hometown. Her iconic Italian performances will be a crowd pleaser.
Haein Lee (South Korea)
Haein Lee is an outsider for the podium, but the skater could surprise the fans in Milan. The 20-year-old landed a triple axel during training in Milan this week. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of legendary South Korean skater Yunna Kim, the 2010 Olympic champion.
