Aiming for the 2026 Winter Olympics: American Figure Skater Isabeau Levito's Ambitions
Meet the 17-year-old sensation, Isabeau Levito. Standing at a petite 5' 1", this skating prodigy hails from Mount Holly, New Jersey. Born in 2007, she took her first steps on the ice at the tender age of three, inspired by her mother's love for the sport.
Isabeau's introduction to skating was a mere attempt to shield her from potential falling hazards, as her mother, Maria Garberi Levito, humorously admitted. Yet, the sport seemed to be her calling from the start. Her passion for skating flourished, leading her to quickly rise through the ranks.
Seizing the spotlight in 2018, Isabeau claimed a national junior title at the age of 11. Since then, she's been on an unbeaten streak, rising through the ranks to become the U.S. intermediate silver medalist. Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, she clinched another national age group title, proving her resilience and determination.
Sadly, 2019 also marked a significant turning point as she lost her father, Tim, who was her biggest fan and source of unwavering support. His obituary, filled with heartfelt tributes, clearly reflected the close bond between father and daughter.
Coaching culminated into a blessing in disguise for Isabeau, as her coach, Yulia Kuznetsova, became more than just a skating instructor. Started as a group lesson when Isabeau was three, their journey together evolved into a deep bond. The duo continues to work together, balancing coaching with the dynamics of a typical teenage relationship. Their shared Russian heritage often finds its way into their practice sessions, adding an extra layer to their bond.
2021 marked her entry into the world of international junior competitions, where she excelled, securing a series of victories. However, an unfortunate foot injury forced her to withdraw from the Junior Grand Prix finals and delayed her progress for some time.
Determined to bounce back, Isabeau tackled the senior level in 2022, scoring a bronze medal at the US Championships, despite being ineligible for the Olympics due to her age. Her international prominence continued to grow as she won gold at the world juniors championships, marking a historic first for an American woman.
Isabeau's journey reached new heights in 2023 when she repeated her success in France, securing the gold medal for the second time in a row, a feat unachieved by an American woman in nearly two decades.
The 2024 world championships further cemented her position in the world of figure skating. Her exceptional performance earned her a silver medal, making her the first American to do so since 2016.
Currently recuperating from another foot injury, Isabeau looks forward to the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships, scheduled to be held in Boston. The championship serves as a stepping stone towards the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Born to an Italian mother, Isabeau draws nostalgic memories of her prior visits to Italy and expresses her eagerness to claim a spot on the Olympic team.
Isabeau Levito's skating journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and love for the sport. Despite facing numerous challenges, her relentless spirit has led her to make significant strides in the world of figure skating, inspiring many along the way.
Isabeau Levito, the U.S. skater, has shown exceptional talent and resilience, securing multiple titles and medals. Her aspirations extend beyond the current period, as she aims to represent the USA at the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, where her Italian heritage will added to her motivation.
Despite being born in the United States, Isabeau Levito, the distinguished skater, shares a deep connection with her Italian roots and looks forward to competing for her country of birth at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.