American skater Glenn had quite the journey at the Olympics. After a rough start in the short program, where she scored a zero due to a missed triple loop, she found herself in 13th place. It was a challenging moment for her, and she was visibly upset. Known for being outspoken about her bisexuality and her criticism of former President Donald Trump, Glenn faced significant online backlash.
However, she came back determined. Despite a tough fall during warm-ups, Glenn showcased her skill in the free skate. She began with a triple axel and followed it up with a tricky triple loop and double axel sequence. When she finished, her joy was clear—even though she didn’t medal, she felt she had given her all.
On the other hand, Petrosian, an 18-year-old skater aiming to make history as the second Individual Neutral Athlete to medal in Milan-Cortina 2026, had a more challenging time. Under the guidance of controversial coach Eteri Tutberidze, known for coaching Kamila Valieva in past games, Petrosian’s medal aspirations stumbled with a fall during her first routine when she attempted a quad toe loop. If everything had gone perfectly, gold might have been within her reach, but her hopes faded quickly as she left the arena, disappointed.
This year’s games have sparked conversations around mental health in youth sports, especially given the pressures athletes face. According to a 2022 survey by the World Health Organization, 1 in 5 youth experience mental health challenges, highlighting the need for support in high-stakes environments like the Olympics.
With social media buzzing about these athletes, many fans have expressed their support for Glenn’s comeback spirit, while others reflect on the immense pressure athletes like Petrosian endure. As the conversation continues, it’s clear that these young athletes are navigating not just their sporting skills but also the challenges of public scrutiny and personal expectations.
For more insights on mental health in sports, you can read the WHO’s report on youth health.
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