Amber Glenn: LGBTQ+ Trailblazer in U.S. Figure Skating

Amber Glenn Clinches Historic Victory as First LGBTQ+ U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Champion

Amber Glenn secured her first senior career victory at the U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Championship with an overall score of 210.46, making her the champion after multiple podium finishes in the past. Glenn’s triumph also marks her as the first openly LGBTQ+ skater to claim the U.S. women’s title. Reflecting on her achievement, she expressed pride in being the inaugural openly queer women’s champion, emphasizing the positive impact on young individuals in skating environments. Josephine Lee earned the silver medal with a 204.13 overall score, while Isabeau Levito, initially leading after the short programs, faced challenges in the free skate and secured third place. Despite Glenn’s successful execution of a triple axel, some missed elements affected her points. Glenn acknowledged a mixture of happiness and disappointment in her performance but expressed gratitude for the national title. Levito, aiming to defend her title, struggled in her skate, experiencing falls that led to a deduction of four points, resulting in a third-place finish. Mia Kalin, at 15, achieved a historic moment by cleanly landing a quadruple jump during her performance, becoming the first woman to do so at the U.S. Championships. In the men’s short program, Ilia Malinin, known as the “quad god,” secured a nearly 20-point lead with a score of 108.57. Jason Brown, a fan favorite, faced challenges in his short program but remained optimistic about the competition. The ice dance and pairs events will conclude with their long programs on Saturday.

_{Repurposed article originally published in USA Today}