"Glenn instead had more attainable goals: She wanted the chance to skate in a televised competition someday. And when she achieved that at age 14 while competing at the U.S. junior national championships, those around her in the skating community began to believe she was capable of a lot more. "She immediately stood out from the rest with her power, her speed and her tenacity," Damon Allen, a former-skater-turned-coach, told ESPN about his first time watching Glenn skate."
"Now, as the 2026 U.S. figure skating championships begin in St. Louis, Glenn looks to defend her back-to-back titles and make her first Olympic team, all while challenging long-held conventions in the sport. At 26, she would be the oldest U.S. Olympic women's singles skater in nearly a century, and the first openly queer woman to make the U.S. figure skating team. She has also become a mental health advocate, and talks candidly about her own journey."
Amber Glenn never dreamed of being an Olympian. She loved figure skating from an early age, enjoying crafting routines, learning new skills and long hours at a mall rink in Plano, Texas. She recognized the rarity of Olympic spots and viewed Team USA women as untouchable, so she set attainable goals, aiming to skate in a televised competition. She achieved that at 14, prompting belief among the skating community in her potential. After seven more years and a lengthy mental-health break, she returned to win back-to-back U.S. titles and pursue a first Olympic team berth in 2026.
Read at ESPN.com
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