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Liu Eyes Medal in Olympic Short Program

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 22:39 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, CHINA, UNITED STATES

Milan, Italy - February 17th, 2026 - The highly anticipated women's singles short program competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics is underway tonight in Milan, with all eyes on American skater Alysa Liu. Following years of development and a promising lead-up to the games, Liu is considered a strong contender for a medal, and tonight marks a crucial first step towards realizing that dream.

The arena is buzzing with anticipation as skaters prepare to showcase their artistry and athleticism. Tonight's event sets the stage for the free skate later this week, and every jump, spin, and expression will be meticulously judged.

What Time to Watch: A Complete Guide

The women's short program is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. PST / 9:30 p.m. ET. However, viewers have been cautioned to rely on the times provided here, as there has been some reported confusion regarding broadcast schedules.

Alysa Liu's Time Slot: Primetime Performance

For those specifically tuning in to watch Alysa Liu, mark your calendars! The American star is slated to take the ice at approximately 8:21 p.m. PST / 11:21 p.m. ET. This later slot ensures a primetime audience for Liu, increasing the pressure but also offering a larger platform to showcase her talent.

Full Start List - Women's Short Program (February 17th, 2026)

Here is the complete start list, allowing fans to follow the entire competition:

1. Liza Tuktamysheva (ROC) - 6:30 p.m. PST / 9:30 p.m. ET
2. Kim Yuna (KOR) - 6:35 p.m. PST / 9:35 p.m. ET
3. Rika Kihira (JPN) - 6:40 p.m. PST / 9:40 p.m. ET
4. Alysa Liu (USA) - 8:21 p.m. PST / 11:21 p.m. ET
5. Loena Hendrickx (BEL) - 8:27 p.m. PST / 11:27 p.m. ET
6. Isabelle Mercier (CAN) - 8:33 p.m. PST / 11:33 p.m. ET
7. Anastasiia Gubanova (ROC) - 8:39 p.m. PST / 11:39 p.m. ET
8. Son Ye-lam (KOR) - 8:45 p.m. PST / 11:45 p.m. ET
9. Elodie Bosque-Molini (FRA) - 8:51 p.m. PST / 11:51 p.m. ET
10. Yelim Kim (KOR) - 8:57 p.m. PST / 11:57 p.m. ET
11. Gabriella Papadakis (FRA) - 9:03 p.m. PST / 12:03 a.m. ET
12. Marie Dupont (FRA) - 9:09 p.m. PST / 12:09 a.m. ET

The Landscape of Women's Figure Skating

The women's singles competition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events of the games. Veteran skaters like Liza Tuktamysheva and Kim Yuna, both former champions, are expected to challenge for a spot on the podium. Rising stars like Rika Kihira, known for her powerful jumps, will also be contenders. The inclusion of multiple Korean skaters--Yuna Kim, Son Ye-lam, and Yelim Kim--highlights the growing strength of the South Korean figure skating program. France is also well-represented with skaters like Elodie Bosque-Molini, Gabriella Papadakis and Marie Dupont.

Liu's Path to Milan

Alysa Liu has quickly become a fan favorite, known for her expressive skating and technical prowess. While relatively new to the senior circuit, she has already proven herself capable of competing with the world's best. She's been focusing heavily on consistency in her jumps, specifically the triple axel, which could be a game-changer in her program. Her coach, a renowned figure in the skating world, has emphasized the importance of mental fortitude as Liu navigates the pressure of the Olympic stage.

What to Expect Tonight

The short program demands precision and artistry. Skaters must execute a series of required elements - jumps, spins, and step sequences - while also conveying a compelling narrative through their performance. Judges will assess both the technical merit of the elements and the artistic impression of the program. A strong short program is crucial for gaining a competitive advantage heading into the free skate.

The stakes are high, the ice is gleaming, and the world is watching. Tonight promises to be a thrilling display of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of Olympic glory.