MILAN, Italy — Amber Glenn took to the ice in the Milano Ice Skating Arena, her emotions visibly written across her face after a challenging performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With her blonde braid cascading down her neck, Glenn showed a mix of pride and disappointment following her routine in the women’s singles free skate, where she finished third. This event marked a significant moment for Glenn, both as an athlete and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as she had recently shed light on the difficulties faced by that community.
Despite her individual struggles, Glenn experienced a whirlwind of emotions during the competition, particularly as the U.S. team claimed a gold medal. She admitted to battling through feelings of guilt, especially considering the pressure on teammate Ilia Malinin, who needed to perform exceptionally in the men’s competition to secure the win without added stress.
In the lead-up to her performance, Glenn—a prominent figure for the U.S. team—had emphasized the importance of her platform, expressing her commitment to support the LGBTQ+ community amid the negative backlash she received for speaking out. After answering questions about the community’s challenges during President Donald Trump’s administration, she faced a barrage of criticism online, even receiving death threats. Yet, Glenn remained undeterred in her belief in freedom of expression and pledged to continue representing her values.
“I hope we can all move forward and maintain a positive outlook,” Glenn said. In light of the harsh comments, she chose to step back from social media but insisted that her mental state did not significantly impact her performance.
With a score of 138.62 on Sunday, Glenn found herself trailing Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who finished with a score of 148.70. Despite falling short, she managed to land her opening triple axel, showcasing the level of skill that had marked her recent success on the international stage. Her impressive 150.50 score at the World Championships earlier this year set high expectations for her Olympic run, but she recognized the need to refine her performance as the competition progressed.
At 26, Glenn holds the distinction of being the oldest U.S. Olympic singles skater in nearly a century, yet she remains one of the nation’s strongest contenders for a medal. Her ability to consistently execute a triple axel sets her apart in the competitive field. Following her routine, she received comfort from teammate Ellie Kam, who supported her through the emotional aftermath of her skate.
As the day unfolded, Glenn engaged in celebrations with her teammates, lifting Malinin in triumph after their shared victory. Singing the national anthem alongside him, she expressed pride in representing her country, despite her reservations about her singing voice.
Looking ahead, Glenn is determined to transform her experiences into motivation as the individual competition approaches. With the pressure of ending a 20-year medal drought for American women in singles skating hanging over her, she acknowledges the challenge that lies ahead. Glenn remains steadfast in her resolve, intent on using her voice, both on and off the ice, to champion what she believes in: freedom, love, and positivity.
As she faces critics online, Glenn remains resolute. “It’s absurd that people attack others for expressing their views,” she said. “I will always stand by my truth.” With the support of her teammates and her commitment to her beliefs, Glenn is set to approach the remaining events of the Olympics with resilience and determination.