At a Glance
- Amber Glenn earns a spot on the U.S. figure skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- She is a 26-year-old, three-time U.S. singles champion and 2024-25 Grand Prix gold medalist.
- The skater is also a prominent LGBTQ advocate, having publicly come out in 2019.
- Why it matters: Glenn’s journey blends athletic ambition with a powerful message of authenticity and inclusion.
Amber Glenn is focused on two big goals heading into the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina: winning her first Olympic gold and continuing to break barriers for LGBTQ athletes.
Olympic Qualification
The U.S. figure skating selection process culminated in a 16-member roster announced in early 2026. Glenn secured her place after a strong finish at the national championships, adding her name to a team that will compete in Turin, Italy.
- Three straight U.S. singles titles (2022-24)
- Grand Prix gold at the 2024-25 season
- Historic triple axel performed at the 2020 U.S. Championships
Her debut at the Winter Olympics will be a chance to cap her career with the ultimate prize.
Career Highlights
Glenn’s skating career is defined by consistency and daring technical skills.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2020 | First competition after coming out; performed to “Scars” by Madilyn Bailey |
| 2022 | Won U.S. Championships, solidifying her status as a top contender |
| 2024-25 | Grand Prix gold, showcasing her world-class program |
During the 2020 U.S. Championships, she skated to a cover of the Papa Roach song “Scars,” a moment that was described as “one of the most emotional performances of my life” by Glenn.
Coming Out & Advocacy
In December 2019, at 20 years old, Glenn publicly identified as bisexual and pansexual in an interview with the Dallas Voice. The announcement made national headlines, positioning her as one of the few openly LGBTQ athletes in figure skating.
> “It feels like yesterday, but it also feels like this is how I’ve always been,” Glenn said on NBC Local’s My New Favorite Olympian podcast. “I’d had some success when I was 13 or 14, then left the sport for mental-health reasons. When I came back, I was doing it for me. But I didn’t feel like I fit in.”
Glenn’s openness has resonated with fans and fellow skaters, especially those who feel pressure to conform to traditional gender norms. She has become a role model for authenticity on and off the ice.
Support from Timothy LeDuc
During her comeback, Glenn trained with Timothy LeDuc, who in 2022 became the first openly non-binary Olympian in Winter Games history.
> “They lived as themselves, and I felt safe with them. I saw the struggles they went through competing in a sport that’s very much like, you’re A or B. They were really inspiring to me,” Glenn said.
LeDuc praised Glenn’s authenticity:
> “Something I noticed about Amber was that she was always very much herself. Skaters can get caught up in perfection, in trying to mold themselves into what they think they need to be. But Amber’s just always been Amber. On the ice, off the ice, interviews, training days, the same person.”
Their friendship highlights the growing community of LGBTQ athletes supporting one another.
Personal Style & Music Choices
Glenn has also used her wardrobe to express herself. She swapped traditional skating outfits for pantsuits that match the music and narrative of her programs.
> “If I want to wear a pantsuit, I’m going to wear a pantsuit. When it fits the music and fits the story, it’s not even a question.”
Her music selections often lean toward high-energy pop, featuring tracks by Madonna and Janet Jackson, contrasting with the typical ballet choices in figure skating.
Impact & Advice
Glenn’s presence on the ice has sparked conversations about gender and sexuality in sports. She has taken an active role in encouraging younger athletes.
> “Meeting people after competitions or in DMs and hearing their stories, what I’ve done in the spotlight might have helped them in their own communities, that’s what I gravitate toward,” she said.
She also offered advice to those facing similar challenges:
> “It can be so hard because, unfortunately, we live in a world where we have to think about safety first. One of the best things you can do is find people who support you and accept you. If you’re in a safe place, and the only thing holding you back is judgment, forego that. Hiding who you are is more damaging than anything anyone else could say.”
Looking Ahead
Glenn’s goals for the 2026 Games go beyond medals. She aims to continue paving the way for queer athletes and to reshape figure skating’s cultural norms.
> “Amber’s paving the way for so many skaters, queer and otherwise,” LeDuc said. “She’s the champion we need right now.”
The upcoming Olympics will be a pivotal moment for Glenn, both as an athlete and as a symbol of authenticity in a sport historically bound by tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Amber Glenn has secured a spot on the U.S. team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- She is a three-time U.S. champion, Grand Prix gold medalist, and Olympic debutant.
- Glenn’s public coming out in 2019 has made her a prominent LGBTQ advocate.
- She collaborates with fellow LGBTQ athletes like Timothy LeDuc.
- Glenn uses fashion and music to express her identity on the ice.
- Her message encourages authenticity and safety for all athletes.
Further Listening
Listeners can tune into My New Favorite Olympian for more conversations with Glenn and other Olympians.
