Isabeau Levito's Olympic Debut: A Story of Joy Beyond the Podium
American figure skater Isabeau Levito may not have secured a medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, but her experience resonated with a significance that transcended mere placement. At just 18 years old, the New Jersey native transformed her Olympic debut into a profound personal milestone, characterized by curiosity, unbridled joy, and memories she actively chose to preserve.
A Modest Finish Overshadowed by Enthusiasm
Levito concluded the competition in 12th place overall, amassing a total of 202.80 points while skating alongside fellow Team USA members Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn. While this result was modest in the standings, it failed to encapsulate the essence of her Olympic narrative. What truly defined her journey was the palpable enthusiasm with which she embraced the entire Olympic atmosphere, both before and after her performances on the ice.
A Playful Farewell: Viral TikTok Captures Olympic Spirit
Isabeau Levito ensured her final hours in the Olympic Village reflected her deep appreciation for the experience. On February 23, she posted a TikTok video that quickly sparked buzz, showing her driving a golf cart through the quiet village in the early morning hours, between 2 and 4 a.m. The caption read, "How i choose to spend my last hours in the olympic village before leaving for airport (2-4am)." The clip was playful and slightly rebellious, featuring her weaving through cones and racing another cart, all while laughing heartily.
Although Italian police eventually intervened, Levito had already crafted one last, indelible memory to carry home. This act underscored her affectionate connection to the Village, a sentiment she had expressed earlier in the Games to NBC New York, stating, "I've spent every night in the [Olympic] Village. It's been everything and more. And you can't evict me."
Embracing the Olympic Experience Fully
Levito's joy was evident even before competing. She remarked, "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." This positive outlook persisted post-competition, as she humorously reiterated, "You can’t evict me," and updated her TikTok bio to: "You can take Isabeau out of the village, but you cannot take the village out of Isabeau."
From Early Beginnings to Olympic Dreams
Levito's skating journey began at age three in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, when her mother enrolled her in classes primarily to improve her balance. Years of dedication propelled her to the Olympics as one of Team USA's most promising young talents. While future competitions will see evolving results and fluctuating scores, this inaugural Olympic chapter provided Levito with something less quantifiable but profoundly valuable: a sense of belonging and cherished memories that will endure far beyond the rink.
