U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn has stepped back from social media following a wave of hostile messages linked to her recent comments on political and LGBTQ+ issues. The situation escalated after a press conference in Milan, where Glenn discussed her perspective on the current political climate and her identity as the first openly queer woman to represent Team USA in Olympic singles skating.
In her remarks, Glenn noted that while she expected some pushback, the response quickly turned into direct threats that raised concerns for her personal safety. She explained that the decision to limit her online presence was a necessary step for her mental health, allowing her to maintain focus as she enters the most significant competition of her career.
Despite the off-ice distractions, Glenn remains a central figure in the American medal hunt. She is scheduled to make her official Olympic debut today, Sunday, February 8, 2026, substituting for teammate Alysa Liu in the women’s free skate for the team event. Taking the ice at age 26, Glenn makes history as the oldest American woman to debut in Olympic singles skating in nearly a century.
Her visibility continues to spark conversation about the intersection of sports and identity. While the recent backlash highlights ongoing cultural divisions, Glenn has maintained that she intends to continue standing by her beliefs, prioritizing honesty and clear boundaries as she navigates her first Olympic Games.
