Amber Glenn Embraces Olympic Opportunity and Her True Self

The 26-year-old three-time U.S. champion is finally getting her first Olympic experience.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Amber Glenn, a 26-year-old figure skater from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is set to make her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. Despite facing mental health challenges and pressure to conform to the sport's traditional 'Ice Princess' mold, Glenn has persevered, winning three consecutive U.S. national championships. She has also been open about her pansexual identity, inspiring the skating community. With a ranking of third in the world, Glenn is poised to end the American women's figure skating medal drought at the Olympics.

Why it matters

Glenn's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-acceptance. Her openness about her mental health struggles and LGBTQ+ identity has made her an inspirational figure, particularly for young skaters. As one of the top American women's figure skaters, her success at the Olympics could reignite interest and participation in the sport within the United States.

The details

Glenn began skating at a young age, taking advantage of the increased number of ice rinks in the Dallas area after the local NHL team's Stanley Cup win in 1999. However, she faced pressure from judges to conform to the traditional 'Ice Princess' mold, being told to 'tone down' her natural exuberance and joy on the ice. Despite these challenges, Glenn continued to excel, winning junior-level competitions and the U.S. Figure Skating Championships' junior title in 2014. In 2019, she publicly came out as pansexual, sparking support from the skating community. Glenn has also been open about her mental health struggles, taking a break from the sport at age 15 to prioritize her well-being. She has since returned to the ice, winning three consecutive U.S. national championships and securing a spot on the 2026 Olympic team.

  • Glenn won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships' junior title in 2014.
  • In 2019, Glenn publicly came out as pansexual in an interview with the Dallas Voice.
  • Glenn won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 2024, 2025, and 2026, becoming the first three-time winner since Michelle Kwan.

The players

Amber Glenn

A 26-year-old figure skater from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who is set to make her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. She has won three consecutive U.S. national championships and is ranked third in the world.

Tenley Albright

A gold medal-winning figure skater at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina, who welcomed Glenn to the ice at the official announcement of Team USA's Milan-Cortina skaters.

Cathlene Glenn

Amber Glenn's mother, who recalled judges suggesting ways for Glenn to fit the 'Ice Princess' mold, such as cutting carbs and being more graceful.

Tara Lipinski

An Olympic gold medalist and NBC commentator who praised Glenn for being open and vulnerable about her mental health issues and struggles.

Johnny Weir

An Olympian and NBC commentator who described Glenn as an 'emotional favorite' because of the challenges she has overcome.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She is so special and, I think, important for our sport, the way that she's so open and vulnerable about her mental health issues and struggles, and how she overcomes the doubts and the pressure that she faces.”

— Tara Lipinski, Olympic gold medalist and NBC commentator (NBC)

“Amber Glenn is an emotional favorite because of how much she's been through. She really wears her heart on her sleeve when she performs, which makes it very welcoming to watch her.”

— Johnny Weir, Olympian and NBC commentator (NBC)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.