Amber Glenn’s Measured Path to Milan

As the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis draw near, all eyes are on the reigning two-time champion, Amber Glenn. At 26, an age often considered “veteran” in the world of elite figure skating, Glenn is playing the best hand of her 17-year career with a focus that is as calculated as it is candid.

The “If Not Now, When?” Mindset

Training out of Colorado Springs, Glenn is currently navigating the delicate balance between peak performance and physical preservation. With the Milan Winter Olympics on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher.

• Calculated Intensity: Glenn worked through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, driven by a relentless “push” to improve.
• The Fine Line: She is acutely aware of the risks of overtraining. “I don’t want to do something stupid, just pushing a little too hard and breaking,” Glenn remarked, acknowledging that the difference between a podium spot and a fourth-place finish often lies in this high-tension zone.

A Late-Career Evolution

Glenn’s trajectory is unique. While she won a junior title at 14, her breakthrough as a global powerhouse came at 25 when she won the ISU Grand Prix Final. Her coach, Damon Allen, describes her current form as “lean, mean, and ready to go,” noting that she has consistently scored over 200 points in every event for the past two seasons.

The Neurotherapy Edge

A significant factor in Glenn’s recent dominance is her work with neurotherapy. Dealing with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, Glenn has used these tools to build “coping mechanisms” that keep her centered.

• Mental Resilience: In the past, a popped jump might have caused a “downward spiral.” Now, as seen in her recent Grand Prix Final victory, Glenn can brush off a mistake and refocus instantly to finish a program strong.

Sanctuary and Support

Away from the ice, Glenn finds peace with her dog, Uki. “She has no idea I skate,” Glenn shared, noting that the unconditional love of a pet provides a necessary escape from the pressures of the Olympic quadrennial.

She also draws strength from her friendships with teammates Isabeau Levito and Alysa Liu. Despite their age differences, the trio has formed a supportive bond, with Glenn admiring Liu’s authentic approach to the sport and Levito’s consistent excellence.

Amber Glenn heads into the U.S. Championships not just as a defending titleholder, but as an athlete who has finally mastered the harmony between her mental health and her physical prowess. She isn’t just skating against a field of competitors; she is skating as the “best version of herself.”

Source: article by Troy Schwindt on usfigureskating.org, published December 30, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer