2026 Winter Olympics Women's Skating

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are fast approaching, and if there is one event that captures the world’s collective imagination, it is the Women’s Single Skating Free Skating. This is the night where dreams are realized, soundtracks become iconic, and the "Ice Queen" of the quadrennium is finally crowned.

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Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty; Tang Xinyu/VCG via Getty

Whether you are a lifelong fan of the triple axel or a casual viewer who only tunes in for the Olympic torch, you won’t want to miss a second of the drama. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the world’s best figure skaters take the ice in Italy.

When Is the Women’s Free Skating Event?

While the full schedule for the 2026 Winter Games is subject to minor shifts, the Women’s event traditionally takes place during the second week of the Olympics. The Free Skating portion is the final segment of the competition, following the Short Program.

In Milan, the skating events are set to be held at the Mediolanum Forum, an arena known for its electric atmosphere. Because Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, American viewers should prepare for a mix of early morning live streams and prime-time rebroadcasts.

How to Watch the Event in the U.S.

As has been the tradition for decades, NBCUniversal holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games in the United States. To catch every jump, spin, and emotional reaction, you have a few main options:

• NBC (Broadcast): Expect the network to air the top-seeded skaters during their nightly prime-time coverage.
• Peacock (Streaming): This is the best bet for the "die-hard" fan. Peacock typically provides live, uninterrupted coverage of every single skater in the field, from the first group to the final flight.
• USA Network: Often used as the cable home for the Olympics, USA Network frequently carries live morning coverage of the skating events as they happen in real-time.

Who Are the Favorites for Gold?

The landscape of figure skating has shifted significantly since the 2022 Games, but the competition for the podium remains fierce.

• Isabeau Levito (USA): The reigning American star has been praised for her artistic maturity and consistency. She will be looking to lead Team USA back to the podium.
• Kaori Sakamoto (Japan): As a multi-time World Champion, Sakamoto is the gold standard for power and speed. All eyes will be on her to see if she can add an individual Olympic Gold to her trophy case.
• Amber Glenn (USA): Known for her powerhouse triple axel, Glenn is a fan favorite who brings high-octane energy to the ice.
• Loena Hendrickx (Belgium): Hendrickx has become a consistent medal threat, known for her sophisticated choreography and stage presence.

What Is the Difference Between the Short and Free Program?

If you’re new to the sport, it’s important to remember that the Free Skating (often called the Long Program) is where the real movement happens in the standings. While the Short Program is a sprint—requiring specific mandatory elements—the Free Skating is a marathon.

Skaters have four minutes to showcase their technical prowess and emotional storytelling. It is worth four more points in the technical base than the short, meaning a skater can come from behind to snatch a medal if they land their most difficult combinations.

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As we get closer to the Opening Ceremony in Milan, stay tuned for official start times and specific broadcast windows. There is nothing quite like the tension of the Olympic Free Skate—where four years of training come down to four minutes of magic on the ice.