Amber Glenn has long been a trailblazer in the world of figure skating, known for her powerful presence on the ice and an edgy, bold style that stands in stark contrast to the traditional image of the ice princess. However, in recent seasons, she has been embracing a new layer of her identity one that blends the grace and vulnerability of femininity with her inherent strength. As she gears up for the Winter Olympic 2026, Glenn’s journey is not just about mastering technical skills and perfecting routines; it’s also about challenging stereotypes and making space for a broader range of expressions within the sport.

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Amber Glenn: Harmonizing Boldness and Vulnerability on the Ice, Embracing the Evolution of Figure Skating

Amber Glenn’s journey on the ice has been nothing short of transformative. Known for her dynamic, high-energy performances, Glenn has made her mark with programs that range from fierce anthems of female empowerment like Janet Jackson’s This Time to more introspective and melancholic pieces like Audiomachine’s I Will Find You. For many years, these two opposing characteristics — boldness and vulnerability — lived in parallel, but Glenn has now learned to harmonize both aspects of her personality in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

I used to stick out a bit more, she reflects, thinking back to the early stages of her career. But over the last couple of years, a lot of skaters have branched out more and are becoming a lot more unique and individual. It’s something I really appreciate seeing. The evolution of her identity has mirrored the broader changes in the sport itself, as more female skaters are embracing their multifaceted nature, refusing to be pigeonholed into one particular stereotype.

Amber Glenn: Embracing Power and Grace in a New Era of Figure Skating

Glenn’s growing confidence in embracing her feminine side has been a revelation. She no longer feels that she must choose between power and grace. Instead, she embraces both, blending them seamlessly in her performances. I feel like skating has really started to evolve, to accept all of that, she says. And a lot of girls nowadays are accepting that a lot more. It’s been great to see.

Her short program for the 2024-25 season, set to Janet Jackson’s This Time, is a bold and dramatic showcase of her powerful skating, full of punchy technical elements and hand gestures. In contrast, her free skate to Audiomachine’s I Will Find You offers a softer, more flowing portrayal of her artistry, embracing the melancholic beauty of the music. These contrasting pieces allow her to explore both the fierce and vulnerable sides of her personality, a balance that many of her fellow skaters are beginning to appreciate more fully as well. You Can Read Olympic Figure Skating: Kagiyama Yuma leads Finlandia Trophy Tunes Olympic success

Amber Glenn: Redefining Femininity and Power Through Bold Music and Unconventional Performances

What sets Glenn apart from many of her contemporaries is the music she chooses to accompany her performances. While classical music is a staple of Winter Olympic figure skating, Glenn has continuously leaned into genres that reflect her bold attitude. She has choreographed routines to songs by Queen, Beyoncé, Nina Simone, and other iconic musicians who exemplify strength, individuality, and defiance. These artists, known for their unapologetic expression, have inspired Glenn to showcase herself in a way that feels true to her personality.

Those self-assured characters came naturally to me, Glenn says. She reflects on how she was initially drawn to the larger-than-life personas of powerful women in music and entertainment. “When it came to the softer, feminine skates, however, my confidence would dip. But that’s changing now, as I’ve become more comfortable with expressing my feminine side too.

For Glenn, the process of embracing femininity was not immediate. Early on, she struggled with the idea of being pigeonholed into the traditional, delicate image that is often expected of female figure skaters. She wasn’t the stereotypical ice princess, and that left her feeling isolated at times. Over the years, she has come to understand that she doesn’t need to conform to anyone else’s expectations of what a female skater should be. Through a combination of self-acceptance and hard work, Glenn has found a way to make her mark as a skater who embodies both strength and grace.

Amber Glenn: Defying Age Expectations and Preparing for the Winter Olympic 2026

As Glenn looks ahead to the Winter Olympic 2026, she finds herself in a unique position within the figure skating community. At 25, she is one of the older skaters in the field, a fact that she once considered a disadvantage. My gosh, ancient! she jokes about her age in skating years. But in the years since, Glenn has defied the typical trajectory of many elite skaters, continuing to compete and evolve well into her mid-20s.

Back when I was younger, I thought 18 was the age when everyone stopped skating, she recalls. I would never imagine at 25 I’d still be skating and still improving.” In fact, Glenn has made significant strides over the last several seasons, including her first national title at age 24 and her first Grand Prix victory at 25. These milestones speak to her resilience and determination, qualities that will undoubtedly play a major role in her journey to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

Despite being considered old by many in the skating world, Glenn’s commitment to her craft is unwavering. She follows a rigorous routine of warm-ups and cool-downs, often arriving at the rink two hours before her scheduled event to ensure she’s fully prepared. This dedication to physical care and mental focus is essential as she continues to refine her technique, especially as she prepares for the demands of the Winter Olympic.

Amber Glenn: Challenging Age Expectations and Encouraging Perseverance on the Path to Winter Olympic 2026

While many of her peers may have already retired or transitioned to other aspects of their lives by the time they reach their mid-20s, Glenn’s story is one of perseverance and challenge. She is determined to continue defying the age ceiling in the sport, hoping to inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of age or societal expectations.

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It’s never too late, Glenn insists. You never know what will happen. Don’t give up on yourself, especially if you’re working hard and improving and you see that progress. Her message is one of encouragement, especially for those in their 20s who may feel they have passed their prime in an age-driven Winter Olympic sport.

Glenn’s commitment to skating well beyond the expected age of retirement is a testament to her passion and love for the sport. She encourages other athletes, particularly women, to ignore societal pressures to conform to age expectations and instead focus on their passion and the progress they’ve made, no matter how long it takes.

Amber Glenn: Advocating for Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Representation on the Journey to the Winter Olympic

In addition to her athletic achievements, Glenn is also known for her openness about the challenges she faces off the ice, particularly regarding her mental health and ADHD diagnosis. She has been vocal about her struggles with maintaining focus and staying mentally strong during competitions. Her openness about mental health has inspired many of her fans and fellow skaters, creating a supportive community that celebrates vulnerability and strength in equal measure.

Glenn’s journey has also been marked by her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. As someone who came out as bisexual, she has become a role model for many LGBTQ+ individuals who look up to her for her authenticity and bravery. She often receives messages from fans who thank her for being open about her sexuality and mental health struggles. For Glenn, these interactions are incredibly meaningful, and they reinforce her belief in the importance of representation.

There’s been so many messages and so many in-person interactions that encourage me to keep going, she shares. It means everything to me to know that these people see themselves or parts of themselves in me, and that they’re not alone. Glenn’s vulnerability has created a space for others to feel seen and heard in a community that often struggles with its own exclusivity and rigidity.

Amber Glenn: Pioneering Change and Empowerment in Figure Skating Ahead of the Winter Olympic 2026

As Glenn prepares for her third Olympic cycle, she hopes to leave a legacy that goes beyond her athletic achievements. I want to be remember as someone who wanted to make a change in the sport, she says, emphasizing the need to shift how female athletes are perceived and treat within the skating community. She hopes to continue pushing boundaries and expanding the possibilities for future generations of skaters, particularly women, who want to express themselves authentically.

I want to help make a positive difference in not just ladies’ Winter Olympic figure skating, but in all of it — in how we are perceive and how we are treat as athletes, she adds. she really want to help with that community and with that atmosphere. I feel like myself, along with many others, have really made a change in the skating community just in the last five to ten years, and I want to continue that for as long as I can.

Glenn’s advocacy for diversity, her courage in sharing her story, and her commitment to skating at the highest level set her apart not just as a competitor, but as a role model for a new generation of athletes who value authenticity, strength, and self-expression.

As she takes on the final stretch of her journey to the Winter Olympic 2026, Amber Glenn is more than just a skater. She is a voice for change, an embodiment of empowerment, and a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams on your own terms.

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