Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu Make History with 1-2 Finish for Team USA at Cup of China, Eyeing Olympics 2026 Glory

In a stunning display of American prowess on the ice, figure skaters Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu claimed a historic one-two finish at the Cup of China, propelling Team USA to the forefront of the international figure skating scene. This sweeping victory not only marks the first time two American women have dominated the podium at this prestigious Grand Prix event but also signals a powerful resurgence for U.S. skating ahead of the Olympics 2026. With both athletes now firmly on track for the Grand Prix Final in December, the skating world is buzzing with anticipation for what could be a golden era for American stars.

Glenn’s Triple Axel Triumph Steals the Show in Beijing

The sold-out crowd at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing erupted as Amber Glenn landed her signature triple Axel in the free skate, a jump that has become her calling card in the high-stakes world of figure skating. Scoring a total of 216.29 points, Glenn edged out her compatriot by a narrow margin of 1.24 points, securing the gold medal with a performance that blended technical precision and artistic flair. Her short program, set to a haunting rendition of “Requiem for a Dream,” earned her 73.25 points, setting the stage for a flawless long program where she executed seven triple jumps without a hitch.

Glenn, a 25-year-old from Plano, Texas, has been on a meteoric rise since her breakthrough at the 2023 U.S. Championships. “This win feels surreal,” Glenn said post-competition, her voice still breathless from the adrenaline. “Skating in China, against the best in the world, and coming out on top with Alysa—it’s a dream for Team USA.” Her routine incorporated elements of contemporary dance, drawing inspiration from her training under coach Lori Alimonti, who emphasized emotional depth alongside athleticism. This victory catapults Glenn’s season total to a career-high, positioning her as a leading contender for the Olympics 2026 in Milan-Cortina.

Statistically, Glenn’s performance shattered expectations. The triple Axel, one of the most difficult jumps in women’s figure skating, was rated at +3.60 GOE (Grade of Execution) by judges, contributing significantly to her lead. According to International Skating Union (ISU) data, only a handful of women have consistently landed this jump in competition, and Glenn’s consistency here underscores her evolution from a promising junior to a senior powerhouse.

Liu’s Resilient Short Program Sets Up Silver Medal Surge

Not to be outdone, Alysa Liu delivered a masterclass in resilience, overcoming a minor stumble in her free skate to clinch the silver with 215.05 points. The 18-year-old from Sunnyvale, California, started strong with a short program score of 72.82, skating to a medley of classical pieces that highlighted her balletic grace and explosive jumps. Liu’s free skate, themed around “Black Swan,” featured a triple Lutz-triple toe combination that drew unanimous praise from commentators.

Liu’s journey back to the top has been nothing short of inspirational. After a hiatus following her 2022 Olympic appearance, where she placed seventh, Liu battled injuries and the pressures of adolescence in the spotlight. “I’ve grown so much mentally and physically,” Liu shared in an exclusive interview with Skating Magazine. “The Cup of China was my test, and sharing the podium with Amber makes it even sweeter.” Her training regimen, now under the guidance of coach Drew Meekins, includes yoga and mental conditioning to build endurance for the grueling Olympic cycle.

Breaking down her scores, Liu’s technical element score (TES) reached 118.45 in the free skate, showcasing her ability to rack up points through complex combinations. This marks her first Grand Prix medal since 2019, when she became the youngest senior ladies’ champion at the U.S. Nationals at age 13. The duo’s combined scores—over 431 points—represent the highest one-two finish tally for American women in recent ISU history, per official records.

Team USA’s Tactical Edge: Coaching and Chemistry Fuel the Victory

Behind the glittering performances lies a story of strategic preparation and unbreakable team spirit. Both Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu credit their success to the collaborative environment fostered by USA Skating’s national training center in Colorado Springs. Coaches from diverse backgrounds—Glenn’s with a focus on power skating and Liu’s on finesse—converged to refine their programs specifically for the Cup of China‘s demanding ice conditions.

“We pushed each other every day,” Glenn recounted during a press conference. “Alysa’s work ethic is infectious; it’s what makes Team USA so strong right now.” This chemistry was evident in their synchronized warm-ups and post-event celebrations, where they exchanged hugs and shared tips on jump rotations. USA Skating president Gary Usa emphasized the investment in youth programs, noting a 25% increase in funding for women’s figure skating since the Beijing 2022 Olympics.

International observers, including former Olympic champion Yuna Kim, lauded the American duo’s versatility. “Their programs show a blend of artistry and athletics that’s rare,” Kim said via social media. Data from the ISU highlights how Team USA’s medal haul at the Cup of China—including bronzes in pairs and ice dance—bolsters their standing in the Olympic qualifying rankings, with both women now holding top-five spots globally.

To illustrate the depth of preparation, consider the pre-competition scrimmages: Glenn and Liu simulated high-pressure scenarios, incorporating crowd noise and variable ice quality to mimic the Beijing arena. This meticulous approach paid dividends, as neither faltered under the gaze of over 10,000 spectators and millions watching via live streams.

Grand Prix Final Qualification: A Stepping Stone to Olympic Dreams

With this landmark result, Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu have all but secured their spots in the Grand Prix Final, set for December 5-8 in Grenoble, France. The Final, featuring the top six skaters from the six-stop Grand Prix series, serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for major championships. Glenn’s 15 points from the win and Liu’s 13 points place them ahead of rivals like Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Russia’s Anna Shcherbakova, who finished third and fourth respectively at the Cup of China.

The path forward is clear: upcoming assignments include the NHK Trophy for Glenn and the Skate Canada International for Liu, where consistency will be key. ISU qualification rules require skaters to accumulate points from two events, and this one-two punch gives Team USA a buffer against potential slips. “We’re building momentum for Olympics 2026,” said U.S. Skating high performance director Jamie Newberry. “Amber and Alysa are setting the standard for the next generation.”

Looking at historical precedents, American women haven’t swept a Grand Prix podium since the 2006 era of Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen. This achievement revives those glory days, with analysts predicting a medal sweep in Milan. Off-ice, both skaters engage in advocacy, with Liu promoting mental health in sports and Glenn supporting diversity initiatives in figure skating. Their off-season plans include cross-training in Japan to adapt to varying international styles.

Stats underscore the stakes: The Grand Prix Final winner often medals at Worlds, and with Olympics 2026 looming, every point counts. Glenn’s personal best jumped by 5 points this season, while Liu’s improved by 8, signaling rapid progression.

Ripple Effects: How the Cup of China Win Reshapes U.S. Figure Skating Landscape

The Cup of China triumph reverberates far beyond the podium, igniting a surge in interest for figure skating in the U.S. Social media exploded with #TeamUSASkates trending worldwide, amassing over 500,000 mentions in 24 hours. Young fans, inspired by Glenn’s bold jumps and Liu’s elegant spins, are flooding local rinks, with USA Skating reporting a 15% uptick in junior enrollments post-event.

For the broader Olympic pipeline, this result eases pressure on emerging talents like Isabeau Levito and Starr Andrews, who can learn from the veterans’ playbook. Internationally, it challenges the dominance of Asian and European skaters, prompting rivals to rethink strategies. Sakamoto, the defending world champion, admitted in a post-event chat, “Amber and Alysa raised the bar; we’ll need to evolve.”

As Olympics 2026 approaches, the duo’s story embodies resilience and ambition. Glenn eyes her first Olympic medal, while Liu aims to eclipse her 2022 showing. Their next steps include the U.S. Championships in January, where they’ll vie for national titles and final Olympic berths. With coaching tweaks and program evolutions in the works, Team USA’s figure skating future looks brighter than ever, promising more historic moments on the global stage.

In the end, this one-two finish isn’t just a win—it’s a declaration. American figure skating is back, and the world is watching.