MILAN — Amber Glenn wears her heart on her sleeve, especially on the ice. The reigning U.S. champion can’t hide her emotions, whether she’s soaring with joy or grappling with disappointment. It might make her a lousy poker player, but it definitely makes her an engaging skater.
On Thursday, during the free skate, Amber faced the challenge of starting in 13th place after a rough short program. As she glided onto the ice, her nerves were evident, but the crowd of U.S. fans erupted in support, waving flags. It was time to push past the doubts.
She handed her jacket to her coach, Damon Allen, took a deep breath, and centered herself. The music began—a blend of “I Will Find You” by Audiomachine and “The Return” by CLANN. There was no room for second-guessing now.
Amber nailed her first jump: a triple axel, a feat that very few female skaters attempt. The audience at Assago Ice Skating Arena roared with excitement, almost releasing a collective sigh of relief. While her routine wasn’t flawless, it was a comeback worth remembering. Although she stumbled slightly toward the end, she finished with a free-skate score of 147.52, giving her a total score of 214.91. This was enough to place her in the lead for a moment but ultimately not enough for a podium finish. She ended in fifth, trailing behind Alysa Liu, who took gold with 226.79 points, followed by Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai.
Sitting on the leader’s bench, Amber reflected on her performance. “There were so many what-ifs,” she said. “I didn’t want others to make mistakes but didn’t want to go backstage yet. It was a conflicting feeling. Still, I was grateful to watch such amazing talent all around me.”
Amber, along with fellow Team USA members Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, came into the competition with a wave of support. Nicknamed the “Blade Angels,” they brought hope to breaking the U.S. medal drought in women’s figure skating, which has persisted since 2006. The anticipation was high, but Amber faced unexpected challenges in the earlier team event, finishing third in her routine.
Reflecting on that performance, Amber admitted, “If you just watched, you might think it was fine. But as a skater, I knew many points were left on the table. I didn’t feel my best.” Despite her personal struggles, the U.S. team still claimed gold for the second consecutive Olympics.
Fatigue and pressure loomed large for Amber as the individual events approached. When she took to the ice for the short program, she attempted the triple axel but faltered on a subsequent jump, finishing in 13th place. It seemed a heartbreaking end, as she left the arena with visible disappointment.
But on Thursday, she had another chance for redemption. “I reminded myself, ‘You’re at the Olympics,’” she recalled. “I’m proud of that moment.”
This journey highlights how the mental aspect of sports can be just as crucial as the physical.
Experts agree: mastering mental resilience is key in high-pressure environments like the Olympics. According to a recent study by the Journal of Sports Psychology, athletes who focus on positive self-talk tend to perform better under stress.
Amber’s experience serves as a reminder of the highs and lows athletes face. It’s a testament to the spirit of competition—pushing through adversity and savoring moments of triumph. In a world where emotions run high, her story resonates beyond the rink, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike.
This is a part of what makes sports so captivating— the blend of talent, determination, and raw emotion. Even when facing setbacks, the drama and stories unfold, making every performance memorable.
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Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, Team USA
