Amber Glenn: U.S. Figure Skating Star Targets Individual Podium in Milan
London, 17 February 2026 – American figure skater Amber Glenn has transitioned from a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal victory to the individual women’s short program today at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. At 26 years old, Glenn is making history as the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to compete at the Olympics in nearly a century, challenging long-standing sport traditions regarding athlete longevity. Following her contribution to the team event gold, Glenn enters the singles competition as a top contender, bolstered by a record-breaking national season and a high-profile endorsement from pop icon Madonna.
Olympic Campaign and Team Gold
Glenn’s Olympic debut has already secured her a place in the history books. She performed in the women’s free skate segment of the Olympic team event, helping the United States secure the gold medal by a single point over Japan. However, her journey in Milan has been marked by both professional triumph and personal challenges. Following the team win, Glenn briefly withdrew from social media platforms citing a significant volume of online harassment and threats related to her political commentary and her status as an openly queer athlete.
Despite the off-ice distractions, Glenn remains a technical powerhouse. She is one of the few women in the world to successfully land the triple Axel in international competition. Her short program, set to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” has become a focal point of the 2026 Games. On 17 February 2026, Madonna sent a personal video message to Glenn, praising her strength and bravery, which Glenn described as a career highlight ahead of her individual quest for the podium.
Key Facts and Career Statistics
Amber Glenn’s rise to the top of U.S. figure skating follows years of perseverance, including a public battle with depression and a period where she considered leaving the sport entirely. Her recent dominance is reflected in her three consecutive national titles.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amber Glenn |
| Date of Birth | 28 October 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Plano, Texas, USA |
| Height | 167 cm |
| U.S. National Titles | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| Short Program Personal Best | 83.05 (2026 U.S. Championships) |
| Free Skate Personal Best | 148.93 (2025 World Team Trophy) |
| Olympic Medals | Gold (2026 Team Event) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amber Glenn’s short program music for the 2026 Olympics?
Glenn is skating to “Like a Prayer” by Madonna. The choice gained significant attention after Madonna herself shared a video message of support for Glenn on 17 February 2026, praising her performance and technical skill.
Is Amber Glenn the oldest U.S. female skater at the Olympics?
Yes, at 26, Glenn is the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to make an Olympic team since 1928. Her presence on the team is seen as a significant shift in a sport that has traditionally favoured teenage competitors.
What are the “Blade Angels”?
The “Blade Angels” is a nickname used by media outlets to describe the 2026 U.S. Olympic women’s figure skating trio, consisting of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito.
Has Amber Glenn won an Olympic medal?
As of 17 February 2026, Glenn is an Olympic gold medallist in the team event. She is currently competing to add an individual medal in the women’s singles event, which concludes with the free skate on 19 February 2026.