Amber Glenn stays single and focused on Olympics in Milan

Amber Glenn, the 26-year-old figure skating champion heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, has made a bold decision. She is staying single and channeling all her energy into achieving her Olympic dreams. The three-time U.S. national champion and first openly LGBTQ+ woman to represent Team USA in women’s figure skating is laser-focused on the ice, not romance.

The Power of Focus Over Romance

Glenn’s commitment to staying single during this critical Olympic moment showcases her maturity and determination. According to multiple sources, the Plano, Texas native keeps her personal life private and channels all her energy into training and Olympic goals. She has been open about her past, including a 2016-2017 relationship with fellow figure skater Nathan Chen, but has deliberately chosen to focus exclusively on her sport now. This decision reflects her understanding that Olympic success requires unwavering dedication at the highest levels of competition.

Her coach Damon Allen has noted that Glenn is highly organized and detail-oriented, planning every aspect of her Olympic experience down to the minute. This level of focus extends beyond the ice rink into every aspect of her life, making her romantic relationship status secondary to her ultimate goal.

From Struggle to Olympic Glory

Glenn’s path to the Olympics has not been easy. The figure skater faced severe mental health challenges as a teenager, including depression and anxiety that made her contemplate leaving the sport entirely. She spent time in an inpatient psychiatric facility in 2015 after reaching a breaking point where she felt she couldn’t continue. However, she emerged from that experience stronger, with new coping mechanisms and a renewed sense of purpose. She later worked with a sports psychologist who helped her manage anxiety through breathing and mental exercises, transforming her approach to competition.

In 2022, Glenn relocated to Colorado Springs to train at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. This move marked a turning point, giving her a fresh start in a more positive and supportive environment. Since then, her results have skyrocketed, leading to her historic selection for Team USA.

Breaking Barriers and Staying Strong

As the first openly pansexual woman to win the U.S. national championship and make an Olympic team in women’s singles, Glenn has become an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. She came out in a December 2019 interview with the Dallas Voice and has since spoken passionately about using her platform to advocate for greater acceptance. In a press conference in Milan, she stated her commitment to speaking out about issues affecting her community, saying, ‘Politics affects us all. It is something that I will not just be quiet about.’

Achievement	Details
National Titles	Three consecutive U.S. championships (2024, 2025, 2026)
Olympic Status	Making her Olympic debut in Milan Cortina 2026
Historic Milestone	First openly queer woman in U.S. Olympic women’s singles figure skating
Key Strength	Triple axel, one of the most difficult jumps in women’s figure skating

“I think over the last few years, we have really come together as a family. But we are just nice girls. The biggest misconception about figure skaters is that we are catty bitches.”

— Amber Glenn, U.S. Figure Skater

The Sisterhood of Supportive Teammates

Glenn is close with her teammates Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, and together they embrace their ‘Blade Angels’ nickname. This tight-knit support system is part of what makes her Olympic experience meaningful. She dispelled myths about figure skating rivalries, emphasizing that today’s skaters support each other rather than tear each other down. Her friendship with her teammates demonstrates that she has built a strong emotional support network without needing a romantic partner, showing that her focus on community strengthens rather than isolates her.

This camaraderie has become increasingly important given recent challenges. Glenn announced in February 2026 that she would be taking a social media break after receiving threats following her comments about LGBTQ+ advocacy and politics. Despite this, she continues to prepare for competition with grace and determination, surrounded by teammates who have her back.

What’s Next for Amber Glenn at the Olympics?

Glenn is using a mantra of ‘Believe and Breathe’ as she prepares for her Olympic debut. She wears a heart-rate monitor during training sessions so her coach can help her manage anxiety and keep her in optimal mental and physical condition. She has employed neurofeedback training, a technique that teaches her to control her brain activity and achieve a flow state during high-pressure competitions. These tools, combined with her commitment to staying single and focused, position her as a medal contender in Milan. Will Amber Glenn’s unwavering dedication and mental strength lead her to the podium?

Sources

• TIME Magazine: Comprehensive interview with Glenn about her journey, mental health, and Olympic preparation.
• People Magazine: Recent interviews about her teammates, misconceptions about figure skaters, and her Olympic debut experience.
• NBC Olympics: Official coverage of Glenn’s selection and role on Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.