Amber Glenn Shines Amid Challenges at 2026 Winter Olympics: Team USA Gold, Historic Debut, and Courageous Advocacy

American figure skater amber glenn has captured headlines at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, blending athletic achievement with powerful personal advocacy. The 26-year-old from Plano, Texas, made her long-awaited Olympic debut, contributed to Team USA’s gold medal in the figure skating team event, and faced backlash for speaking out on LGBTQ+ issues.

Glenn, born October 28, 1999, is a three-time U.S. national champion (2024–2026), the 2024–25 Grand Prix Final champion, and a trailblazer as the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating. Identifying as bisexual and pansexual, she became the oldest American female singles skater at the Games in nearly a century (since 1928).

Her Olympic journey began in the team event’s women’s free skate on February 8, 2026. Despite a shaky start with errors on her triple Axel and a jump combination, Glenn rallied to finish third with a score of 138.62. Her performance secured crucial points for Team USA, tying them with Japan heading into the final segments. Teammate ilia malinin’s strong showing sealed the gold, marking the U.S.’s retention of the team title from Beijing 2022.

Despite the team triumph, Glenn described her individual contribution as “lackluster,” citing fatigue and nerves in her Olympic debut. She expressed mixed emotions—pride in the gold but disappointment in her execution—while noting she felt guilty for not performing at her peak. Her recovery and management of energy will be key as she prepares for the women’s singles competition.

Beyond the ice, Glenn has used her platform boldly. During a pre-Olympics press conference, when asked about representing Team USA amid challenges for the LGBTQ+ community under the current administration, she stated it has been “a hard time” for the community, emphasizing unity and strength in fighting for human rights. Her comments highlighted broader impacts on marginalized groups.

The remarks drew significant backlash, including a “scary amount of hate/threats,” prompting Glenn to limit her social media presence for her well-being. She defended her right to free speech while expressing disappointment in the response, reaffirming her commitment to advocacy.

Fans and supporters have praised her courage, with many on platforms like TikTok and Instagram celebrating her as an inspiring out athlete. Glenn’s journey—from mental health breaks to record-setting performances—underscores resilience and authenticity.

As the Olympics continue, all eyes are on Glenn in the individual events. Her story transcends sport, highlighting the intersection of athletic excellence, personal identity, and speaking truth in challenging times. Team USA’s gold is a collective win, but Glenn’s voice and presence make her a standout figure in Milano Cortina.