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2026 Winter Olympics: Women's Figure Skating Short Program Kicks Off

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 22:41 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES, JAPAN

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 - The chill of the 2026 Winter Olympics is giving way to the heat of competition, and today's women's figure skating short program promises to be a captivating start to the individual event. For many on the East Coast, and even earlier for those on the West Coast, it means a very early wake-up call, as the action begins at 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT). This preliminary round sets the stage for the free skate later in the week, where medals will be decided.

The women's field is exceptionally strong this year, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. All eyes will be on defending champions and previous Olympic medalists as they attempt to deliver flawless performances under immense pressure. The short program is crucial, accounting for a significant portion of the overall score, and any mistakes can be devastating to medal hopes. This year's competition appears poised to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

American Hopefuls Take the Ice

The United States is fielding a strong team, with all eyes focused on Amber Glenn and Mirai Nagasu. Nagasu, a veteran of multiple Olympic Games, will be the first American to take the ice, skating at 7:00 a.m. ET. Glenn follows later, scheduled to perform at 8:19 a.m. ET. Both skaters have been training rigorously, and fans are eager to see what programs they unveil. Glenn, in particular, has demonstrated consistent improvement in recent international competitions, making her a serious contender for a spot on the podium. Her elegant style and technical prowess could make her a fan favorite. Nagasu, with her experience and artistry, is a captivating performer who always brings a special energy to the ice.

Full Schedule Breakdown (Eastern Time)

Here's the complete order of skaters for the women's short program:

• 7:00 AM: Mirai Nagasu (USA)
• 7:13 AM: Yelim Kim (Korea)
• 7:26 AM: Isabel Rastelli (Austria)
• 7:40 AM: Evgeniia Chernova (Kazakhstan)
• 7:53 AM: Sara Conti (Italy)
• 8:06 AM: Shion Sato (Japan)
• 8:19 AM: Amber Glenn (USA)
• 8:32 AM: Aiko Ito (Japan)
• 8:45 AM: Miku Takahashi (Japan)
• 8:58 AM: Nicole Schott (Germany)
• 9:11 AM: Katia Aveiro (Portugal)
• 9:24 AM: Lindy Quinn (New Zealand)
• 9:37 AM: Lidiia Fomina (Ukraine)

Global Talent on Display

Beyond the American contingent, the competition boasts a diverse field of talented skaters from around the globe. Japan is sending a formidable team, with Shion Sato, Aiko Ito, and Miku Takahashi all expected to challenge for top positions. European contenders like Sara Conti of Italy and Nicole Schott of Germany also bring strong technical skills and artistic expression. The event also showcases emerging talent from nations like Korea (Yelim Kim) and Ukraine (Lidiia Fomina), adding to the exciting international flavor of the competition.

Where to Watch

For those brave enough to rise with the sun (or even before!), the women's figure skating short program will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock in the United States. International broadcasting schedules vary depending on the region. Check your local listings for details.

The women's short program is more than just a competition; it's a display of athleticism, artistry, and dedication. These skaters have spent years honing their skills, and today they will showcase their talents on the world's biggest stage. With a strong field and high stakes, the event promises to be a thrilling spectacle for figure skating fans around the globe.