Women’s Figure Skating Final 2026: Standings, Alysa Liu Medal Chances, Date, Time and How to Watch Live in USA
Women’s figure skating final 2026: standings, Alysa Liu medal chances, start time, TV channel, and live stream details for USA viewers.
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| Team USA star Alysa Liu competes in the Women’s Figure Skating Final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina as fans watch live on NBC and Peacock. |
Women’s Figure Skating Final 2026: Standings, Alysa Liu Medal Hopes, Date, Time and How to Watch Live in the USA
The spotlight now turns to the final event on the figure skating schedule at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina. The women’s figure skating final promises drama, elite technical difficulty and a potential breakthrough moment for Team USA star Alysa Liu.
After a thrilling short programme, the competition remains wide open heading into the free skate. With medals on the line and scores extremely tight at the top, American fans are eagerly watching to see whether Liu can secure her first individual Olympic medal.
This complete guide breaks down the latest standings, medal contenders, competition format, start time, TV channel information, and live streaming options for viewers in the United States.
Alysa Liu Is in Medal Position After the Short Program
Alysa Liu delivered one of the strongest performances of her Olympic career in the women’s short program. She scored 76.59 points, placing third overall and firmly inside podium territory heading into the free skate.
Her program featured the most technically difficult combination attempted in the field, a triple lutz–triple loop combination that demonstrated both power and precision. The performance was described as emotional and controlled, reflecting her growth since the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, where she finished sixth overall.
Liu already captured gold earlier in these Games as part of Team USA’s victory in the team figure skating event. Now she stands just one strong free skate away from adding an individual Olympic medal to her résumé.
For American viewers, this is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Current Standings Entering the Free Skate
The competition at the top is extremely close, with three skaters separated by just over two points.
Ami Nakai leads the field with 78.71 points after the short program. She delivered a technically sharp and clean routine that earned high program component scores.
Kaori Sakamoto sits in second place with 77.23 points. Sakamoto, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist from Beijing, is seeking another podium finish and brings experience under pressure.
Alysa Liu is currently third with 76.59 points and remains well within striking distance of gold.
Just outside the podium is Mone Chiba with 74.00 points, keeping Japan in a powerful position. In fact, Japan has a historic opportunity to sweep the podium, something no country has accomplished in Olympic women’s figure skating.
Other notable contenders include Isabeau Levito in eighth place and Amber Glenn in thirteenth. Both are making their Olympic debut and will need exceptional free skate performances to climb into medal contention.
The free skate scores will be combined with short program scores to determine final placements.
How the Women’s Figure Skating Final Is Scored
Understanding the scoring format is essential for fans watching the final.
The short program lasts two minutes and 40 seconds, plus or minus ten seconds. The free skate lasts four minutes, plus or minus ten seconds, allowing skaters to showcase more complex jumps, combinations, and artistic interpretation.
Each skate is evaluated on technical elements and program components. Technical elements include jumps, spins, and step sequences. Judges also score skating skills, transitions, performance quality, choreography, and interpretation.
The combined total from both programs determines the medal winners. This means even small mistakes can significantly impact the podium outcome.
With the top three skaters separated by a narrow margin, the free skate will likely decide everything.
When Is the Women’s Figure Skating Final?
The women’s free skate final takes place on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
For U.S. viewers, this is a must-watch event as Alysa Liu competes for a potential Olympic medal.
What Time Does the Final Start in the USA?
The women’s free skate begins at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, 12 p.m. Central Time, and 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
Because of the time difference between Italy and the United States, American viewers can watch live during the late morning or early afternoon, making it accessible for fans across the country.
What TV Channel Is Airing the Women’s Final?
NBC will broadcast the women’s figure skating final live in the United States.
As the primary Olympic broadcaster, NBC is expected to provide in-depth commentary, athlete features and expert analysis throughout the event.
How to Stream the Women’s Figure Skating Final Online
For cord-cutters and digital viewers, there are multiple streaming options available.
The event will stream live on Peacock, NBC’s official streaming platform. It will also be available through NBCOlympics.com for authenticated users.
These streaming options allow fans to watch the competition on smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs.
With figure skating consistently ranking among the most-watched Winter Olympic events in the U.S., streaming numbers are expected to be strong.
Team USA’s Medal Outlook
Team USA’s hopes largely rest on Alysa Liu heading into the free skate. Her technical difficulty gives her a real chance to surpass the Japanese leaders if she lands her planned elements cleanly.
Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn face tougher climbs. Levito sits in eighth place after scoring 70.84 points in the short programme, while Glenn is in thirteenth following a costly jump error.
However, figure skating finals are known for dramatic momentum shifts. A strong free skate combined with mistakes from competitors above them could significantly alter the standings.
For American fans, the primary focus will remain on Liu’s pursuit of gold.
Why This Final Matters in Olympic History
This competition is not just about medals. It could reshape the global balance in women’s figure skating.
Japan’s depth is remarkable, with three skaters inside the top four. A podium sweep would mark a historic first in Olympic women’s figure skating.
At the same time, a Liu victory would signal a new era for American women’s skating. Since the dominance of past U.S. champions, American skaters have been chasing a return to the top step of the podium.
This final represents a major opportunity.
What to Watch for in the Free Skate
In the free skate, jump consistency will likely determine the winner. Skaters will attempt multiple triple jumps and possibly ultra-difficult combinations.
Endurance also becomes critical because the free skate is longer and more physically demanding. The ability to maintain speed and clean edges late in the programme often separates medallists from the rest of the field.
Performance quality and crowd energy can also influence component scores. With the Olympic stage amplifying every moment, composure under pressure will be key.
Final Thoughts Before the Women’s Free Skate
The 2026 Olympic women’s figure skating final is set to deliver high drama, world-class athleticism, and potentially historic outcomes.
Alysa Liu is within reach of her first individual Olympic medal and carries the hopes of Team USA into the decisive free skate. Japan remains in a commanding position, but the narrow scoring margins mean anything can happen.
For American viewers, this is one of the premier events of the Winter Games and a moment that could define the future of U.S. figure skating.
The Women’s Figure Skating Final 2026 is one of the most anticipated events of the 2026 Winter Olympics. With Alysa Liu in a strong medal position, Team USA fans are watching closely. The Olympic women’s free skate time in the USA makes it convenient for live viewing on NBC and Peacock. Those searching for how to watch the women's figure skating final, updated standings, Alysa Liu's Olympic medal chances, and live stream options can tune in Thursday for what promises to be a defining Olympic moment.
When is the Women’s Figure Skating Final 2026
The women’s free skate final takes place on February 19, 2026, during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
What time is the Olympic women’s free skate in the USA
The event starts at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, 12 p.m. Central Time, and 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
How can I watch the women’s figure skating final live
You can watch live on NBC or stream via Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
Is Alysa Liu favored to win a medal
Alysa Liu is currently in third place after the short programme and has a strong chance to win an Olympic medal if she delivers a clean free skate performance.
This Olympic women’s figure skating final is set to be one of the most thrilling competitions of the 2026 Winter Games.
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