The Incredible Rise of Amber Glenn: A Story of Resilience and Ice

Amber Glenn is a name that currently rings through every ice rink and sports arena across the United States. As of 2026, she has transformed from a promising young talent into a dominant force in the world of figure skating. Her journey is not just about gold medals; it is a powerful story of someone who refused to give up when things got tough. Amber has captured the hearts of fans from Texas to Italy with her explosive jumps and her honest, open personality.

Many people find her story relatable because she doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She has faced mental health struggles and the pressure of elite competition with incredible grace. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope for athletes everywhere. Whether she is landing a difficult triple Axel or speaking out for the LGBTQ+ community, Amber Glenn is a true original. In this article, we will dive deep into her life, her career milestones, and what makes her such a special part of Team USA.

The Early Days in Plano, Texas

Amber Glenn began her journey in a place you might not expect for a winter sports star: Texas. She first stepped onto the ice at age five because she wanted to escape the sweltering heat of the South. What started as a way to stay cool quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Her father, a police officer, worked countless overtime hours to fund her dreams, while her mother spent days at the rink helping other families just to get discounted lessons for Amber.

By the time she was a teenager, it was clear that Amber was something special. She won the U.S. Junior title in 2014, signaling to the world that a new star was born. However, the path to the top was not a straight line. Like many young people, Amber struggled with the transition to adulthood and the heavy expectations placed on her shoulders. She even took a break from the sport to focus on her well-being, a move that likely saved her career in the long run.

Amber Glenn and Nathan Chen: A Shared History

One of the most frequent questions fans ask is about the relationship between Amber Glenn and Nathan Chen. Years ago, when both were rising stars in the junior ranks, the two were in a well-documented relationship. Around 2016 and 2017, they were often seen together on social media, sharing sweet messages and supporting each other at competitions. Fans absolutely loved seeing the “power couple” of American skating growing up together.

As time went on, the two eventually went their separate ways as they focused on their demanding Olympic careers. While they are no longer a couple, they remain part of a tight-knit community of American skaters. Nathan Chen went on to become an Olympic legend, and Amber has often spoken about the inspiration she draws from her peers. Their history represents a beautiful chapter of young love within the high-stakes world of international sports.

Standing Tall at Amber Glenn Worlds 2025

The 2024-2025 season was a turning point for Amber. After winning her second consecutive national title, she headed to the Amber Glenn Worlds 2025 competition with high hopes. The event was a showcase of her “Information Gain” in the sport—she wasn’t just doing the same old routines. She brought a level of artistry and technical difficulty that few could match.

While she finished 5th overall at the World Championships, the result was a massive victory for her mental toughness. She landed her signature triple Axel and showed the world that she belonged among the top five skaters on the planet. This performance set the stage for her incredible 2026 season. It proved that Amber wasn’t just a domestic champion; she was a global threat capable of standing on any podium in the world.

The Secret Weapon: The Triple Axel

What makes Amber so dangerous on the ice? It is her incredible athleticism. She is one of the few American women in history to consistently land the triple Axel in international competition. This jump is notoriously difficult because it requires three and a half rotations in the air. For Amber, the jump is a symbol of her power.

When she launches into the air, the entire arena holds its breath. It isn’t just about the points; it’s about the statement. By mastering this jump later in her career, she proved that “older” skaters (in the world of figure skating) can still push technical boundaries. This “never-say-die” attitude is exactly why she is currently the three-time reigning U.S. champion.

Who is Amber Glenn’s Partner?

In 2026, many fans are curious about the Amber Glenn partner situation. Currently, Amber is very open about her identity as bisexual and pansexual, making her a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in the sport. However, when it comes to her private dating life, she has kept things relatively quiet recently to focus entirely on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

She often refers to her fellow skaters, like Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, as her “sisters” and “Blade Angels.” This support system has been more important to her than a romantic partner during this high-pressure Olympic cycle. She values her independence and the strength she has found in her own skin. For Amber, the most important relationship right now is the one she has with herself and her craft.

A Historic Milestone: Amber Glenn Age 26

In a sport that often favors very young teenagers, the Amber Glenn age of 26 is actually a historic achievement. In 2026, she became the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to qualify for the Olympics in nearly a century. This is a massive win for “longevity” in sports. She has shown that you don’t have to peak at 15 to be a champion.

By staying in the game and taking care of her mental health, Amber has reached a level of maturity that younger skaters often lack. Her programs are deep, emotional, and powerful. She uses her life experiences to tell a story on the ice, which is something that only comes with time. She is living proof that your best years can be ahead of you if you keep working hard.

The 2026 Olympic Dream Realized

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina marked the pinnacle of Amber’s career. After narrowly missing the team in 2022, she made sure there was no doubt this time. She entered the games as the leader of the U.S. women’s team. Her performance in the team event helped secure a Gold Medal for the United States, a moment that brought her to tears.

Watching her stand on the podium was a full-circle moment for everyone who followed her since her days in Plano. She didn’t just show up; she led. Her leadership and consistency have turned the U.S. women’s team into a powerhouse once again. She has truly earned her place among the legends of the sport, like Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen.

Why America Loves Amber Glenn

There are many great skaters, but Amber is special because she is “human.” She talks about her ADHD, her struggles with anxiety, and the reality of being a queer athlete in a traditional sport. She doesn’t hide behind a mask of perfection. This honesty makes her incredibly popular with the younger generation of fans in the USA.

When Amber skates, she isn’t just trying to get a score. She is trying to connect with the audience. Whether she’s using modern music or wearing bold costumes, she brings a fresh energy to the ice. She has turned figure skating into something that feels modern and relevant for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many times has Amber Glenn won the U.S. Championship?

Amber is a three-time U.S. National Champion, winning consecutively in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

2. Is Amber Glenn still dating Nathan Chen?

No, Amber and Nathan Chen dated during their teenage years around 2016-2017 but have since moved on. They remain friends and colleagues in the skating world.

3. What is Amber Glenn’s highest score?

As of the 2026 U.S. Championships, Amber set a personal best and a record-breaking score for the short program with 83.05 points and a total score of 233.55.

4. Where does Amber Glenn train?

She currently trains in Colorado Springs, Colorado, under the guidance of coaches Damon Allen and Tammy Gambill.

5. Has Amber Glenn ever landed a Triple Axel?

Yes! Amber is the fourth American woman to land a clean triple Axel in international competition and uses it as her signature opening jump.

6. What did Amber Glenn do at the 2025 Worlds?

At the 2025 World Championships, Amber finished in a strong 5th place, proving she is one of the top elite skaters globally.

Conclusion: The Legacy of a Champion

Amber Glenn has proven that success is not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up. From the ice rinks of Texas to the Olympic podium in Italy, her journey has been nothing short of miraculous. She has broken records, shattered stereotypes, and shown that age is just a number when you have a dream.

As we look toward the future of American figure skating, Amber’s influence is everywhere. She has paved the way for more diverse, mentally healthy, and resilient athletes. If you are looking for an inspiration, look no further than the girl from Plano who conquered the world.

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