2026 Olympic Figure Skating Women's Singles Preview & Prediction
Updated July 9, 2026
The women’s singles figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo could be the most competitive event of the figure skating program in these games. Top skaters from the United States, Japan, and Individual Neutral Athletes headline the group of athletes looking for Olympic gold. Here, I break down this competition and give you my Olympic figure skating women's singles predictions from Italy.
Here’s how the betting lines look at major sportsbooks for the women’s singles gold medal at Milan-Cortina:
One of the biggest stories in figure skating in Milan is the return and form of Japanese skater Kaori Sakamoto, who delivered a commanding performance in the women’s short program of the team figure skating event, earning 78.88 points and outscoring almost everyone in the field. It was a powerful early statement of intent from the three-time world champion who has hinted at retiring after these Games. Sakamoto’s performances this season have been consistently strong, placing her among the favorites to take gold and complete a remarkable Olympic run.
The best gold medal hope for the United States, Alysa Liu, is enjoying a sensational comeback at these Games. The former world champion finished second in the team event short program, demonstrating her renewed confidence and technical strength. Liu’s path back to elite competition has been unique, having stepped away from skating after the 2022 Olympics before returning in 2024. Her world championship title from last year and season-best scores make her one of the most dangerous contenders here.
Also worth considering in the hunt for women's individual gold is Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete. Petrosian has claimed national and Grand Prix honors in recent seasons and secured her Olympic berth with strong performances at key qualifiers. Her technical ability and consistency position her as a danger to the two favorites.
Americans Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito also bring depth to the American contingent in this competition. Glenn has displayed big jumps, while Levito’s artistry and recent podium finishes are a sign of her potential to surprise. While Liu is the best hope for the US to medal, Glenn and Levito will be out for themselves in this discipline.
Pick: Kaori Sakamoto ATS PRO
Confidence: 4/5
Kaori Sakamoto stands out as the most consistent and battle-tested skater in the field. Her performance in the team event short program in Milan was just another strong showing in her strong competitive season, and she has topped international season best lists with remarkable free skate scores. As a three-time world champion, her experience skating in high-pressure scenarios gives her a slight advantage over challengers still chasing their first Olympic gold. While Alysa Liu’s resurgence and world title from last year make her a viable contender, I am going with Sakamoto to come away with the gold here.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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