Team USA figure skater Isabeau Levito made her debut on Tuesday, but the Winter Olympics newcomer faces a challenging path to a medal. Levito, who made headlines when she pleaded not to be ‘evicted’ from Olympic Village, finished eighth out of 29 skaters in Tuesday’s short programme, the opening segment of the women’s figure skating competition at the Olympics.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s free skate, which will decide the medallists, Levito faces long odds to challenge for a podium position.
The New Jersey native now has just an outside chance to secure gold. It would require an exceptional display from the first-time Olympian, combined with setbacks from those ranked above her, to propel her into medal contention.
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Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who finished second in Tuesday’s short programme with a 77.23 segment score, remains the favourite to claim gold.
She leads 17-year-old compatriot Ami Nakai, who posted the highest score of any skater in the short programme, and Team USA’s Liu at the top of the list of gold medal favourites. Liu, who hung up her figure skates at 16 only to make a comeback ahead of this year’s Olympics, is Team USA’s strongest hope for a medal in women’s figure skating.
The 20-year-old clinched third place in the short program on Tuesday with a total score of 76.59.
No American woman has claimed an Olympic medal in figure skating since 2006, when Sasha Cohen took silver. The last American woman to win Olympic gold in the event was Sarah Hughes back in 2002.
Levito’s final standing may not be the be-all and end-all of her time in Italy, as the Team USA star has already expressed her joy at experiencing the Olympics for the first time.
« I’ve spent every night in the [Olympic] Village. It’s been everything and more. And you can’t evict me, » Levito told NBC.
« I don’t think there’s anything not to enjoy [about the Olympic Village]. I haven’t even gotten to compete yet, and I feel like my experience is already complete. Not complete, but I’m having a blast. The best time. »
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