2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Single Skating Free Skating: full preview, schedule & medal favorites
The 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating is the most anticipated event of the figure skating competition. Who will rise to the occasion and claim gold in Milano Cortina? This article covers everything from the women’s singles figure skating olympics schedule to the top contenders, recent results, and key storylines. Whether you’re looking for the women’s single figure skating olympics schedule or an in-depth analysis of figure skating olympics 2026 participants, you’ll find it here.
📅 Women’s single figure skating olympics schedule (free skating)
All singles figure skating olympics 2026 events will be held at the Milano Ice Arena. The confirmed schedule (local times, subject to IOC changes):
- Women’s short program: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Women’s free skating: Friday, February 20, 2026 – 5:30 PM to 9:45 PM
- Exhibition gala: Sunday, February 22, 2026
The free skating olympics segment will determine the final rankings, with the top 24 skaters battling for podium positions.
⭐ Favorites for the Olympic gold in women’s singles
Based on recent World Championships (2024 & 2025 simulated form) and Grand Prix series, here are the leading athletes for figure skating women’s singles 2026:
| Skater | Country | Age | Recent achievements | Free skating strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaori Sakamoto | 🇯🇵 Japan | 25 | World champion 2022, 2023, 2024; World silver 2025* | Speed, expression, triple toe loop |
| Isabeau Levito | 🇺🇸 USA | 19 | World champion 2025*; World silver 2024 | Grace, Lori Nichol choreography |
| Loena Hendrickx | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 26 | European champion 2024, 2025; World bronze 2025* | Charisma, triple Lutz, intricate spins |
| Hana Yoshida | 🇯🇵 Japan | 20 | Grand Prix Final winner 2024; 4th at Worlds 2025 | Triple Axel attempt, fearless |
| Kim Chae-yeon | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 19 | Four Continents champion 2025; World bronze 2024 | Elegance, consistency |
| Anastasiia Gubanova | 🇬🇪 Georgia | 23 | European champion 2023; 5th at Worlds 2025 | Classical style, steady free skate |
* simulated projection based on current trajectory.
Other contenders like Alysa Liu (if she returns), Lorine Schild (France), or Niina Petrõkina (Estonia) could also surprise. The final list of qualified skaters will be confirmed after the 2025 World Championships.
📰 Latest news & simulated results (2025)
Kaori Sakamoto claimed her fourth world title despite a fall on a triple Axel, ahead of Isabeau Levito and Loena Hendrickx. France’s Lorine Schild finished 12th, securing an Olympic quota. South Korea’s Kim Chae-yeon posted the highest free skate score (148.32).
🏅 Figure skating olympics 2026 participants – projected qualifiers
Based on 2025 Worlds quota allocation, here are the expected nations and skaters (subject to final confirmation):
- Japan (3) – Sakamoto, Yoshida, Chiba/Mihara
- USA (3) – Levito, Tennell, Thorngren
- Belgium (3) – Hendrickx, Van de Perre, Castelijn
- South Korea (3) – Kim, You, Wi
- Georgia (2) – Gubanova, ?
- France (1) – Lorine Schild or Léa Serna
- Switzerland, Germany, Estonia, Finland, etc.
❓ Frequently asked questions – women’s free skating 2026
When is the women’s free skating at the 2026 Olympics? ▼
What are the rules for the Olympic free skate? ▼
Who are the top favorites for gold? ▼
How many skaters compete in the women’s singles? ▼
Where can I watch the event live? ▼
🔗 Official resources & external links
BasIle Richard – Sports journalist at Morocco Closer. Passionate about figure skating and winter sports.
