Openly LGBTQ+ skater Amber Glenn makes Olympic history
In a milestone moment for sport and representation, American figure skater Amber Glenn has become the first openly LGBTQ woman named to an Olympic women’s singles figure skating team. At 26, the three-time reigning U.S. national champion will make her Winter Olympics debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games after a remarkable season that has captivated fans and critics alike.
Glenn, who publicly identifies as bisexual and pansexual, secured her Olympic spot by winning her third consecutive U.S. Figure Skating Championships title in January, a feat not achieved by a U.S. woman since Michelle Kwan. She impressed judges and audiences with record-setting scores, including a standout short programme at the trials.
Her selection is being hailed as a landmark for LGBTQ+ visibility in figure skating, a sport long steeped in tradition. While male queer skaters have previously competed at elite levels, Glenn’s presence as an openly queer woman on the Olympic stage marks a new chapter in the sport’s history.
Beyond her skating achievements, Glenn has become a powerful voice for inclusion and authenticity. She has spoken openly about her experiences growing up in the sport, her journey with mental health, and the importance of embracing one’s identity - both on and off the ice. In doing so, she has inspired a broad spectrum of fans and aspiring athletes around the world
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