American figure skater Amber Glenn was left in tears following a deeply disappointing performance in the women's short program at the Winter Olympics. The 26-year-old reigning US champion, a trailblazer as the first openly queer woman to compete for Team USA in figure skating, saw her gold medal hopes virtually evaporate after a critical error.
A Devastating Error on the Ice
Glenn had begun her routine to Madonna's 1980s hit 'Like A Prayer' with impressive confidence, executing a big triple axel and a solid combination pass that suggested she was on track for a strong performance. The pop superstar Madonna had even sent Glenn a personal video message before the competition, expressing how she was 'blown away' by watching the skater perform.
However, the momentum shattered when Glenn doubled up a planned triple loop jump, rendering the element invalid and worth zero points in the scoring system. Although she completed the remainder of her routine, the damage was done, and her emotions overwhelmed her as she stepped off the ice in Milan Cortina.
Emotional Aftermath and Coaching Support
The visibly distraught skater immediately skated toward her coaches and broke down in tears. 'I had it,' Glenn told her coach Damon Allen in a heartbreaking moment captured by cameras. Allen offered words of encouragement in response, telling her firmly: 'It’s not over.'
Despite this support, Glenn ended the night in a disappointing 13th place with 67.39 points, leaving her with a monumental challenge to climb the rankings in Thursday's free skating event. Meanwhile, Japanese skaters Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto claimed the top two positions, with fellow American Alysa Liu sitting in bronze medal position.
The Blade Angels and Political Backlash
Glenn is part of a celebrated trio of American figure skaters known as the 'Blade Angels,' alongside Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito. The group was recently featured in an NBC special with a voiceover provided by pop superstar Taylor Swift, highlighting their significance in the sport.
However, Glenn's Olympic experience has been complicated by political controversy. Earlier this month, the skater revealed she would be taking a break from social media after receiving what she described as a 'scary amount of hate' for condemning former President Donald Trump's treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking Out Despite Backlash
At a press conference for the Winter Games in Italy, Glenn addressed the impact of the Trump administration's policies on LGBTQ+ Americans, noting it has been a 'hard time' for the community. She emphasized her desire to use her platform to 'try and encourage people to stay strong.'
'When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America (Freedom of speech) to convey how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA in a troubling time for many Americans I am now receiving a scary amount of hate/threats for simply using my voice WHEN ASKED about how I feel,' Glenn wrote in an Instagram post.
She added: 'I did anticipate this but I am disappointed by it. I will be limiting my time on social media for my own wellbeing for now but I will never stop using my voice for what I believe in.'
Political Context and Athletic Advocacy
Glenn's comments come in the wake of executive actions by the Trump administration, including a 2025 order banning transgender women from competing against biological females in sporting competitions. Additional measures have impacted how federal agencies address healthcare programs and policies affecting LGBTQ+ Americans.
During her press conference, Glenn defended athletes' right to engage with political issues, stating: 'I know that a lot of people will say: "You’re just an athlete, stick to your job and shut up about politics," but politics affects us all. It’s something that I will not just be quiet about, because it is something that affects us in our everyday lives.'
The skater, who helped Team USA win gold in the team event earlier this month, remains determined to use her platform for advocacy despite the personal cost. 'So of course there are things that I disagree with, but as a community, we are strong and we support each other, and brighter days are ahead of us,' she concluded.
