Amber Glenn Bio, 2026 Olympian, Age, Height, Boyfriend, Family, Career, Net Worth

When amber glenn landed her historic triple axel at the 2024 Grand Prix de France, she didn’t just set a scoring record—she shattered decades of conventions in women’s figure skating. At 26 years old, this powerful, openly queer athlete from Plano, Texas, has become the oldest American woman to qualify for Olympic singles competition in nearly a century, the first openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s champion, and the first woman since Michelle Kwan to win three consecutive national titles. With her signature blend of athletic power, technical mastery, and unapologetic authenticity, Glenn is redefining what it means to be a female figure skater in the modern era while inspiring a generation of young athletes to embrace their true selves.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Birth and Family Background

Amber Elaine Glenn was born on October 28, 1999, in Plano, Texas, a suburban city north of Dallas. She grew up in a middle-class family where athleticism and dedication were core values. Her father, Richard Glenn, serves as a police sergeant with the Plano Police Department, while her mother, Cathlene Glenn, works as a fitness instructor. Amber has one sibling, a younger sister named Brooke Glenn, who has been a constant source of support throughout her career.

Discovering Figure Skating

Amber’s introduction to skating was almost accidental. At age five, while visiting the Stonebriar Centre Mall in Frisco, Texas to escape the Texas heat, she watched Sara Hughes compete in the 2002 Olympics on television. Captivated by the sport, she immediately wanted to try it herself. She began with “Learn to Skate” lessons at the mall ice rink, where she was drawn to the speed, music, and challenge of learning new tricks.

Education

To accommodate her rigorous training schedule, Amber was homeschooled from second grade through her senior year of high school. She graduated from Plano Senior High School in 2018 and later attended Collin College in her hometown. The flexible homeschooling arrangement allowed her to train extensively while maintaining her education—a necessity in the demanding world of competitive figure skating.

Early Training

By age eight, Amber was already competing at the national level. Her parents made significant financial sacrifices to support her career, with her father working up to 30 hours of overtime per week plus additional security jobs at hospitals and movie theaters. Her mother worked at the rink’s front desk and babysat for coaches to secure discounted lessons, even sewing Amber’s costumes to save money. The family purchased used blades and dresses from eBay to manage costs that often reached $75,000–$100,000 annually.

Career Journey

Early Career and Junior Success (2004–2014)

Amber began skating competitively in 2004 at age five. Her natural talent was evident early on—coaches immediately noticed her “power, speed, and tenacity.” She progressed rapidly through the ranks:

• 2010: Won Southwestern Regionals (Juvenile level)
• 2011: Placed 10th at U.S. Junior Championships (Intermediate)
• 2012: Won silver at U.S. Championships (Novice)
• 2013: Won bronze at Junior Grand Prix Czech Republic; placed 5th at U.S. Junior Championships
• 2014: Won U.S. Junior National Championship; placed 7th at World Junior Championships; won bronze at Junior Grand Prix France

Mental Health Struggles and Hiatus (2015–2016)

The 2014 junior title brought intense pressure and expectations that “crushed” the young skater. During the 2015–16 season, Amber faced severe depression and anxiety, leading to an eating disorder and multiple concussions. Her psychiatrist recommended she step away from skating entirely. She spent time in an inpatient facility, a terrifying but ultimately transformative experience.

“It was a wake-up call, a reality check for me… I realized that even if I come out of here and never skate again, I know I have the opportunity to still make a good life for myself.” — Amber Glenn

Senior Career Beginnings (2016–2021)

Amber returned to competition in 2016 with renewed perspective, moving to Euless, Texas, to train with Peter and Darlene Cain. Her senior career showed steady progress:

• 2017: 8th place at U.S. Championships
• 2018: 8th place at U.S. Championships
• 2019: 7th place at U.S. Championships
• 2020: 5th place at U.S. Championships
• 2021: Silver medal at U.S. Championships (first senior podium)

The 2021 silver medal made her an Olympic hopeful for Beijing 2022, but she was named first alternate for the World team instead of being selected.

The 2022 Heartbreak and Move to Colorado Springs

At the 2022 U.S. Championships, Amber placed 14th in the short program and then tested positive for COVID-19, forcing her withdrawal. The disappointment proved pivotal—she realized she needed a complete reset. In spring 2022, she moved to Colorado Springs to train at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center under Damon Allen and Tammy Gambill, with jump specialist Viktor Pfeifer and choreographers Kaitlyn Weaver and Katherine Hill.

Breakthrough and Triple Axel Mastery (2022–2023)

The move to Colorado Springs transformed her career:

• 2022 Skate America: Won first Grand Prix medal (bronze)
• 2023 U.S. Championships: Won bronze medal
• 2023 Skate America: Successfully landed triple axel—becoming only the sixth U.S. woman to do so in competition and fourth in international competition

Historic National Championships and Grand Prix Final Victory (2024)

The 2023–24 season marked Amber’s arrival as an elite contender:

• January 2024: Won first U.S. National Championship, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s singles champion
• November 2024: Won Grand Prix de France with highest short program score ever by an American woman (78.14)
• November 2024: Won Cup of China, qualifying for Grand Prix Final
• December 2024: Won Grand Prix Final—first American woman to do so since 2010 (Alissa Czisny)

Three-Peat and Olympic Qualification (2025–2026)

Amber dominated the 2024–25 season:

• January 2025: Defended U.S. title (second consecutive championship)
• 2025 World Championships: Finished 5th
• 2025 World Team Trophy: Won team gold; set personal best free skate score (148.93)
• January 2026: Won third consecutive U.S. Championship (233.55 total score)—first woman to three-peat since Michelle Kwan (1998–2005)
• February 2026: Named to 2026 U.S. Olympic Team; became oldest U.S. women’s singles Olympic skater in 98 years

Career Stats & Competitive Highlights

Major Achievements:

• 2024–25 Grand Prix Final Champion
• Three-time U.S. National Champion (2024, 2025, 2026)
• First American woman to win Grand Prix Final since 2010
• First openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s singles champion
• Fourth U.S. woman to land triple axel in international competition
• Six-time ISU Grand Prix medalist
• Five-time ISU Challenger Series medalist

Personal Life

Sexual Orientation and Coming Out

Amber publicly came out as bisexual and pansexual in December 2019 during an interview with the Dallas Voice, inspired by ice dancer Karina Manta’s coming out in 2018. She has since become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports.

“When I came out initially, I was terrified. I was scared it would affect my scores or something, but I didn’t care. It was worth it to see the amount of young people who felt more comfortable in their environments at the rink.” — Amber Glenn

She often wears a Progress Pride pin on her warmup jacket and has been known to carry the Pride flag during victory laps, making her a trailblazer for inclusivity in figure skating.

Relationship History

Nathan Chen (2016–2017)

Amber’s most public relationship was with fellow figure skater Nathan Chen, the “Quad King” and 2022 Olympic gold medalist. They dated from 2016 to 2017 when Amber was 16 and Nathan was 17. Amber called Nathan her “rock” on social media, and they supported each other at competitions. The relationship ended amicably as both focused on their skating careers.

Current Status

As of February 2026, Amber is single and focused entirely on her Olympic preparation. She keeps her personal life private and has not been publicly linked to anyone since her relationship with Chen.

Family Support

Amber credits her success to her family’s sacrifices:

• Father Richard: Worked overtime and multiple jobs to fund her training
• Mother Cathlene: Worked at the rink, babysat for coaches, and sewed costumes
• Sister Brooke: Emotional support throughout her career
• Grandmother Barbara: Recently deceased (February 2025), but Amber dedicates performances to her memory

Hobbies and Interests

Beyond skating, Amber is a self-described nerd with diverse interests:

• Magic: The Gathering: Named her dog Uki after the card “Ukkima, the Stalking Shadow”
• Anime: Avid fan of Japanese animation
• Star Wars: Franchise enthusiast
• Cosplay: Enjoys costume creation
• Archery: Practiced as a hobby
• Running and Cooking: Fitness and culinary interests
• Content Creation: Active on social media with engaging personality

Mental Health Advocacy

Amber is vocal about her struggles with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. She uses neurotherapy and works with sports psychologists to manage her mental health, advocating for greater awareness and support for athletes facing similar challenges.

Controversies

LGBTQ+ Backlash

After winning her first U.S. title in 2024, Amber faced online criticism regarding her LGBTQ+ advocacy. One YouTube video criticized her for “cramming her sexuality down our throats” regarding the Pride flag. Amber responded on Instagram:

“The Progressive Pride flag is the furthest thing from idiotic. It advocates for progress.”

She has continued to be an outspoken advocate despite negative attention.

2022 Olympic Selection Controversy

After finishing second at the 2021 U.S. Championships, Amber was bypassed for the World team in favor of bronze medalist Karen Chen, sparking debate about selection criteria. She was also named only as an alternate for the 2022 Olympic team after her COVID withdrawal, despite being a medal contender.

Skating Politics and Judging

As an openly queer athlete in a traditionally conservative sport, Amber has faced subtle pressures regarding her presentation and advocacy. She has spoken about feeling the need to be “more delicate or more feminine” early in her career, rejecting those expectations after coming out.

Awards & Achievements

• 2024–25 Grand Prix Final Champion (first American woman since 2010)
• Three-time U.S. National Champion (2024, 2025, 2026)
• First openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s singles champion
• First woman to three-peat U.S. titles since Michelle Kwan (2005)
• 2025 World Team Trophy Champion (team event)
• Six-time ISU Grand Prix medalist
• 2024 Grand Prix de France Champion (highest U.S. women’s SP score ever)
• 2024 Cup of China Champion
• 2014 U.S. Junior Champion
• Two-time ISU Junior Grand Prix bronze medalist
• Dallas FSC Good Sportsmanship Award
• Two-time Dallas FSC Skater of the Year
• Athlete Alumni Ambassador (3A) Award

Physical Statistics

Amber’s athletic build and muscular physique distinguish her from the traditional “ice princess” archetype in figure skating—something she embraces as part of her authentic self.

Quotes

“I was always trying to be more delicate or more feminine or try and be what a typical ice princess figure skater is, and that just isn’t me.”

“I’ve always been physically capable. That was never a question. It was always a mental and competence problem. It was internal battles for so long… when to finally let myself portray the way I am off the ice on the ice. That really started when I came out publicly.”

“I felt like I was going to throw up. My stomach has been bothering me all day. Woof. Fake it ’till you make it. I took that to heart.” — On competing while ill at 2026 U.S. Championships

“It’s been a hard time for this community overall, and this Administration—it is the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and fight for our human rights… I hope I can use my platform and my voice throughout these games to try and encourage people to stay strong in these hard times.” — On LGBTQ+ advocacy at 2026 Olympics

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Income Sources

Net Worth Estimate

Estimated Net Worth: $100,000–$500,000

This estimate reflects:

• Competition prize money from Grand Prix and national events
• Sponsorship deals with Delta and AmLactin
• Limited endorsement portfolio (expected to grow post-Olympics)
• No major luxury brand contracts yet (potential for Charlotte Tilbury, Kérastase, or Vera Wang collaborations)

Note: Figure skaters typically earn significantly less than athletes in mainstream sports, with income heavily dependent on Olympic performance and subsequent endorsement opportunities.

Interesting Facts

1. Oldest Olympic Singles Skater in 98 Years: At 26, Amber breaks a nearly century-old record for the oldest U.S. woman to compete in Olympic singles figure skating.
2. Magic: The Gathering Nerd: She is an avid player of the card game and named her dog after a card character.
3. Triple Axel Pioneer: Only the fourth U.S. woman to land a clean triple axel in international competition—one of the most difficult jumps in figure skating.
4. Neurotherapy Advocate: Uses brain training techniques to manage ADHD and competition anxiety, crediting it with her recent success.
5. Vera Wang Connection: Fashion designer Vera Wang follows Amber on social media and comments on nearly all her posts—sparking rumors of a future costume collaboration.
6. First Openly Queer Olympic Singles Skater: Will make history as the first out LGBTQ+ woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic singles figure skating.
7. COVID Heartbreak: Her 2022 Olympic dreams were crushed by a positive COVID test after a poor short program, making her 2026 qualification especially emotional.
8. Triple Peat Queen: First woman since Michelle Kwan (2003–2005) to win three straight U.S. titles.
9. High School Graduate: Despite homeschooling, she walked the stage at Plano Senior High School in 2018.
10. Anime Cosplayer: Enjoys cosplay as a hobby, blending her love of costume design with pop culture.

Did You Know?

• Amber began skating because she hated Texas heat—she tried soccer first but “did not love it.”
• She was homeschooled from second grade to allow for training flexibility.
• Her father worked security at movie theaters to afford her skating expenses.
• She moved to Colorado Springs at age 22, living alone for the first time.
• Her free skate at the 2025 World Team Trophy (148.93) is her personal best.
• She is one of only two women expected to attempt the triple axel at the 2026 Olympics.
• She has ADHD and uses it to her advantage in training, though it requires management.
• Her choreographer Kaitlyn Weaver is a former ice dancer who won world medals for Canada.

Social Media Links

• Official Website: https://amberglenn.figureskatersonline.com/
• Instagram: @amberglenniceskater
• Twitter/X: @AmberGlenn_
• Facebook: Amber Glenn Ice Skater
• TikTok: Active presence with behind-the-scenes content
• U.S. Figure Skating Profile: Team USA

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Amber Glenn in 2026?

Amber Glenn is 26 years old, born on October 28, 1999. She is the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to compete at the Olympics since 1928—nearly 100 years.

Who is Amber Glenn dating?

As of February 2026, Amber Glenn is single. She previously dated Olympic champion Nathan Chen from 2016 to 2017 but is currently focused on her Olympic career.

What is Amber Glenn’s sexuality?

Amber identifies as bisexual and pansexual. She came out publicly in December 2019 and is the first openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s singles champion and Olympic team member.

Has Amber Glenn won an Olympic medal?

Amber is competing in her first Olympics in 2026. She has not yet won an Olympic medal but is considered a medal contender.

What is the triple axel and why is it important?

The triple axel is a 3.5-revolution jump that is one of the most difficult in figure skating. Only a handful of women worldwide can land it consistently. Amber is one of only four U.S. women to land it cleanly in international competition, giving her a significant technical advantage.

Why did Amber Glenn move to Colorado Springs?

After a disappointing 2022 season and COVID withdrawal, Amber moved to Colorado Springs in 2022 to train at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center with coaches Damon Allen and Tammy Gambill. The move provided better training resources, altitude benefits, and a fresh start.

What are Amber Glenn’s hobbies?

Amber enjoys Magic: The Gathering, watching anime, Star Wars, cosplay, running, archery, drawing, and cooking. She also volunteers at animal shelters.

How much is Amber Glenn worth?

Amber’s net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $500,000, derived from competition prize money, sponsorships with Delta and AmLactin, and exhibition performances. This is expected to increase significantly after the 2026 Olympics.

Conclusion

Amber Glenn’s journey from a five-year-old girl escaping Texas heat at a mall ice rink to a three-time national champion and Olympic medal contender is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of self-acceptance. By overcoming mental health struggles, embracing her LGBTQ+ identity, and mastering one of the sport’s most difficult jumps at an age when most skaters have retired, she has rewritten the narrative of what is possible in women’s figure skating. As she takes the ice in Milan in 2026, Amber carries not just the hopes of American skating fans, but the pride of a community that sees in her a reflection of their own struggles and triumphs. Whether or not she leaves Italy with a medal, Amber Glenn has already secured her place in history as a trailblazer who dared to be herself in a sport that often demanded conformity.

If you found this biography inspiring, please share it to celebrate Amber’s historic journey and help inspire the next generation of athletes to skate authentically.