U.S. Figure Skater Amber Glenn Reflects on ‘Wild’ Olympic Experience, Chooses Self-Belief Over Perfection

Ahead of the women's individual figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Amber Glenn shared her mindset going into it.

Ahead of the women’s individual figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Amber Glenn shared her mindset. Glenn, who is regarded as one of the favorites to grab gold in the event, made a remarkable start to her Olympic debut by grabbing gold in the figure skating team event as part of Team USA.

On February 8, Glenn delivered a strong performance in the free skate segment of the team event, finishing third and earning vital points that propelled Team USA past Japan to secure gold.

Amber Glenn’s Thoughts Ahead of Women’s Singles

Glenn punched her ticket to the Olympics by capturing first place at the 2026 U.S. Championships, outskating Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito for her third straight national title. With this achievement, she has firmly cemented her status among America’s elite figure skaters.

Speaking ahead of the women’s singles event, which kicks off with the short program on February 17, Glenn opened up about her emotions and mindset as she prepares to take the ice.

“I just need to be confident in myself, my capabilities, and all the hard work I’ve put in over the years, and not let any outside sources distract me,” she said.

“It is wild, so strange, I think a lot of us come into the Games expecting perfection, or things to be how we’ve always dreamed, and if these Games have shown anything, it’s that that’s not always the case. What my coach has always said is ‘Just be Amber, just be you, do what you’re able to do.’ I just need to take it for what it is in that moment and do the best that I can on that day.”

Glenn’s Olympic journey has not been without turbulence. After voicing criticism of the Trump administration and the political climate in the United States, she faced a wave of online backlash, prompting her to step back from social media.

Glenn’s Road to Milan

Glenn had a highly successful 2025-26 season. Apart from her third U.S title, Glenn also captured a win at the 2025 Cup of China, finished 2nd at the Nebelhorn Trophy, and grabbed silver at the Finlandia Trophy. At the 2025-26 Grand Prix Final, she finished in 4th place overall, a strong finish after her 2024-25 win in the event.

Glenn’s attempt to qualify for the previous Olympic Games (2022 Beijing) was unsuccessful, as she finished 14th in the short program at the nationals and later tested positive for COVID-19.

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