Olympic Figure Skater Amber Glenn Credits Coming Out as Key to Her Success

Amber Glenn, an American figure skater poised to compete for gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, attributes her outstanding performances on the ice to the freedom she found in coming out as LGBTQ+.

Glenn, who has been selected to represent Team USA, will make history as the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to compete in figure skating at the Winter Olympics. Her journey to this point has been deeply personal, as she publicly came out as bisexual and pansexual back in 2019. "It was something that did set me free," Glenn shared with NBC News, describing the relief and empowerment that followed her public announcement.

"I was able to feel like I wasn’t being pressured into trying to fill someone else’s shoes," Glenn explained. Since embracing her true identity, she has not only experienced personal liberation but also reached new heights in her career. Earlier this year, Glenn broke records at the US Championships with her short program and went on to become the first American woman in over two decades to win three consecutive national titles. With her eyes set on the podium in Italy, Glenn has the chance to be the first American woman to medal in figure skating since 2006.

Glenn's decision to come out was first shared in an article by the Dallas Voice, where she offered her support to Timothy LeDuc, the first openly non-binary athlete to win a US title in pairs skating. Reflecting on her public coming out, Glenn remarked, "It was something that did set me free." Although at the time, she considered it a small, local gesture, the news swiftly gained international attention.

"I thought, ‘OK, this is my little baby step, and … barely anyone’s gonna see it.’ It was a local newspaper," she recounted. "Yeah, it did not stay local. The next day it was, like, international news." Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Glenn found herself a role model for others in the LGBTQ+ community.

In a sport like figure skating, where performances are judged subjectively, Glenn initially worried her identity might affect her scores. "I was scared that I’d be looked at as less feminine, less graceful or ‘Oh, are you the man in the relationship?’" she admitted. "But I realized, well, if we’re ever going to get past that worry, someone has to do it. Someone has to break that mold and break that stereotype in order for the next person who comes out not to be afraid of that because they saw that it didn’t affect me."

Despite her concerns, Glenn believes her coming out has not negatively impacted her scores. Instead, it has allowed her to be a visible advocate for the queer community and mental health, drives she cites among her motivations to excel in her sport.

Looking back, Glenn reflects proudly on her journey, noting that figure skating provides a unique space for LGBTQ+ acceptance. "We have more acceptance and more of a community in the queer space, and I feel like I’ve been accepted with open arms, and that’s not the case for all sports," she observed.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, the event promises to be a dazzling display of LGBTQ+ athleticism. As athletes like Glenn continue to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, they pave the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ athletes to pursue their dreams free from fear or prejudice.

Amber Glenn’s story is not only about personal triumph; it is also a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of representation in sports. Her courage and success inspire countless others, proving that embracing one's true self can lead to exceptional achievements both on and off the ice.