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Women's Figure Skating Short Program Kicks Off Tonight

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 23:06 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, JAPAN, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, CANADA, SWITZERLAND

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 - The highly anticipated women's figure skating short program kicks off tonight, marking the first phase of the competition and setting the stage for a thrilling free skate showdown. Skaters from across the globe will take to the ice, each vying for position heading into the final event. The event will be streamed live on Peacock in the US.

This year's competition boasts a diverse field of talent, ranging from seasoned veterans looking for one last shot at glory to exciting newcomers hoping to make a splash on the international stage. The short program is crucial, as it accounts for a significant portion of the overall score and determines who will be in contention for a medal when the free skate unfolds. A clean, technically demanding program with artistic flair is the key to success.

Focus on American Hopeful Amber Glenn

All eyes will be on American skater Amber Glenn, scheduled to perform at 8:26 PM EST. Glenn has been a consistent performer on the national circuit, demonstrating impressive athleticism and artistry. This competition represents a pivotal moment in her career, and a strong short program will be vital to her medal aspirations. Glenn has reportedly been refining her technique over the past year, focusing on consistency in her triple jumps and improving the fluidity of her transitions. Analysts suggest a strong showing could firmly establish her as a leading contender in the international arena. Her program is expected to feature a challenging jump combination and a captivating thematic interpretation.

Complete Short Program Schedule (EST)

The competition begins at 4:45 PM EST with Rinka Kikuchi of Japan. The full order of skaters is as follows:

• 4:45 PM: Rinka Kikuchi (JPN)
• 4:54 PM: Mirai Nagasu (USA) - A familiar face and former medalist, Nagasu's experience could prove invaluable.
• 5:03 PM: Yelim Kim (KOR)
• 5:12 PM: Hana Baumgartner (AUT)
• 5:21 PM: Lauren Guerin (CAN)
• 5:30 PM: Katia Sautdieck (GER)
• 5:39 PM: Yasmine Hamada (BEL)
• 5:48 PM: Yuhana Izumoto (JPN)
• 5:57 PM: An Ka Yi (HKG)
• 6:06 PM: Carina Rand (ITA)
• 6:15 PM: Anastasia Gavrilova (ROC) - Representing the Russian Olympic Committee, Gavrilova is known for her powerful skating and technical prowess.
• 6:24 PM: Nika Egli (SUI)
• 6:33 PM: Amber Glenn (USA)
• 6:42 PM: Eliska Bartova (CZE)
• 6:51 PM: Takeda Sara (JPN)
• 7:00 PM: Lee Hae Bum (KOR)
• 7:09 PM: Sofia Shinkarenko (MDA)
• 7:18 PM: Joice Trninic (CRO)
• 7:27 PM: Lielle Rubleski (ISR)
• 7:36 PM: Kim Yuna (KOR) - No relation to the legendary Olympic champion, this Kim Yuna is an up-and-coming skater with a promising future.
• 7:45 PM: Gracie Gold (USA) - Another experienced American skater, Gold is aiming for a strong performance to re-establish herself as a top contender.

Key Competitors to Watch

Beyond Glenn, several other skaters are expected to challenge for the top spots. Mirai Nagasu's return to competition is generating significant buzz, and the veteran skater will be looking to leverage her experience and artistry to deliver a memorable performance. The Japanese contingent, including Rinka Kikuchi and Takeda Sara, are renowned for their technical skill and precision. Anastasia Gavrilova representing the ROC, is considered a strong technical skater. And rising star Kim Yuna from Korea could surprise audiences with her athleticism and potential.

The women's figure skating competition is always a highlight of the Winter Games, and this year promises to be no exception. With a strong field of competitors and the added pressure of the short program, the ice is set to witness breathtaking athleticism, artistry, and drama. Viewers can tune in live on Peacock to witness the unfolding of this captivating event.