The road to the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina is paved with athletic prowess, but increasingly, with stories of resilience and a willingness to confront the mental health challenges inherent in elite competition. Figure skater Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. Champion, embodies this shift, preparing to make her Olympic debut after a journey marked by both extraordinary success and deeply personal struggles.
Glenn’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. She recently repeated as U.S. National champion, a feat not accomplished since Michelle Kwan’s dominant run from to , winning her third consecutive title at the U.S. Championships. This victory positions her as a leading contender to end the United States’ lengthy medal drought in Olympic women’s singles skating, a drought stretching back to Sasha Cohen’s silver medal in .
But Glenn’s story extends far beyond podium finishes and technical achievements. She has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing her experiences with anxiety and self-doubt that plagued her throughout her career. Her willingness to discuss these challenges, even from a young age when she was “being judged online…for my appearance and athleticism,” has resonated with fans and helped to destigmatize mental health struggles within the sport.
Glenn’s path wasn’t always linear. She briefly stepped away from competitive skating as a teenager, a decision prompted by the overwhelming pressures she faced. This period of reflection ultimately motivated her to become a stronger, more consistent athlete and to embrace her identity, including coming out as bisexual and pansexual. “It is this journey as much as her performance on the ice that have endeared her to skating fans,” notes the growing anticipation surrounding her Olympic programs.
The shift in the sporting world’s approach to mental health is palpable and Glenn’s openness builds on the groundwork laid by skaters like Gracie Gold, who previously shared her own struggles. Gold now serves as an IOC mental health ambassador, providing support and advocacy for athletes at the Games. The emphasis on mental wellbeing at the Winter Olympics represents a significant evolution from previous eras, where athletes were often expected to maintain a facade of perfection.
Glenn’s training regimen has evolved to address not just the physical demands of the sport, but also the mental ones. She began working with a sports psychologist, focusing on techniques like breathing exercises and neurofeedback to regulate her anxiety and achieve a “flow state” during competition. Neurofeedback, described as “like going to the gym but for your brain,” has become a game-changer, helping her to control her brain activity and manage the intense pressure of performing on the world stage.
A key element of her success has been mastering the triple axel, one of the most difficult jumps in women’s figure skating. Glenn began learning the jump during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing its importance for competitive success. She meticulously studied videos of elite skaters, focusing on technique and timing, and dedicated herself to building the necessary strength and coordination. She landed the jump for the first time after approximately two months of focused training.
Glenn’s coach, Damon Allen, emphasizes her agency in this process. “She was the one driving the engine,” he said, highlighting her determination to take control of her career and define her own path. Allen’s approach focuses on creating a supportive environment that mirrors Glenn’s normal training routine, minimizing distractions and allowing her to focus on her performance.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Glenn is also using her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In her first press conference as an Olympian, she addressed the challenges facing the community in the U.S., stating, “It’s been a hard time for this community overall…and this Administration—it is the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and fight for our human rights.” She acknowledged the criticism she sometimes receives for speaking out on political issues, but affirmed her commitment to using her voice to encourage others and advocate for change.
Glenn’s journey began at the age of five in Texas, initially trying soccer before discovering a passion for ice skating. Her family played a crucial role in supporting her dreams, with her father working extra shifts and her mother dedicating her time to the rink. Despite facing challenges during puberty and periods of self-doubt, Glenn persevered, demonstrating a remarkable level of resilience.
As Glenn prepares for her Olympic debut in Milan, she carries with her not only the hopes of a nation but also a powerful message of vulnerability, strength, and self-acceptance. Her story is a testament to the importance of prioritizing mental health and embracing one’s true self, both on and off the ice.
