Amber Glenn, the talented figure skater from the USA, is taking time to reflect on her Olympic journey after recently securing a gold medal in the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Although her experience at the Games marked a triumph, Glenn also faced significant challenges during her individual programme, leading to feelings of disappointment.
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In an interview, Glenn opened up about her conflicted emotions following the Olympics. The 26-year-old athlete described an “inner battle,” particularly due to the mistakes she made during her individual performance, where a failed triple toe loop resulted in her missing the podium. “The mistakes I made were on the easiest things, which is unfortunate,” she expressed. Glenn noted that, just the day before, she had successfully executed 15 of those jumps with no issues, leaving her frustrated with the inconsistency during her competition.
Since returning to the United States, the skater has been busy acclimatising to life post-Olympics. Speaking from her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton, Glenn recounted her experience of the so-called “post-Olympics sickness,” common among athletes after intense competitions. She mentioned the sheer whirlwind of the past month, stating, “I got home and had that post-Olympics sickness that most people have, so I’ve been recovering from that and then it was just back on the ice.”
Despite her packed schedule, which includes preparations for the upcoming World Championships and a six-week tour with “Stars on Ice,” Glenn took a moment to indulge in the festivities at the GLAAD Awards. Her iconic Team USA jacket, a symbol of her achievements, could be seen resting nearby as she expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “The GLAAD organization is an absolutely vital one because it shows queer representation in media in a positive light,” Glenn noted, emphasising the importance of normalising queer visibility in sports, a cause she is passionate about.
Having come out as pansexual and bisexual in 2019, Glenn reflected on the scarcity of queer athletes during her upbringing. She expressed how it was often expected for athletes to conform to traditional norms, further illuminating the significance of her presence at such events. “To be here as a representative of my community and figure skating is super exciting,” she said.
In a moment of introspection, Glenn acknowledged the importance of recognising her progress. Two weeks after the Olympic Games, she shared, “I constantly have to reflect and remind myself that I never even thought I’d make it to the Olympics. I never thought that I would have an Olympic medal.” This reflection serves as a source of strength for Glenn, particularly on harder days. Despite any setbacks, she chooses to focus on her accomplishments, including finishing fifth in her individual event, which she describes as a proud moment.
As she prepares for her next challenges alongside her teammate Isabeau Levito, Glenn emphasised the growth she has experienced throughout her Olympic venture. She has learned to trust herself more, a journey that has not always been easy. “I’ve learned to really trust myself, which has always been a struggle,” she commented, recognising the importance of self-belief in achieving her goals and remaining true to her mission.
The inspiration and lessons gleaned from the Olympics have reinforced Glenn’s resolve as she steps into the next chapter of her career. With the World Championships and a series of performances ahead, she is approaching the future with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Glenn’s story not only showcases her athletic talent but also highlights her commitment to being a role model, as she continues to pave her own unique path in the world of sports.