Amber Glenn opens up about mental health, coming out and her Olympic dreams

American figure skater Amber Glenn is continuing to pursue her Olympic dreams while reflecting on the personal struggles she has overcome, including mental health challenges, injuries and the journey of coming out.

Glenn, 26, has emerged as one of the top women’s singles skaters in the United States and is working toward qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics. But her rise has not been without setbacks.

A highly touted young talent, Glenn landed a single axel at just 6 years old and won the U.S. junior championship at 14 before her career was disrupted by anxiety, depression and an eating disorder that led to a stay at a mental health treatment facility.

“I thought life was done for,” Glenn said of that period, explaining that support from family and medical professionals helped her rediscover her motivation and sense of purpose.

In 2019, Glenn came out as pansexual, a moment she said helped her feel more at peace with herself, even as she worried about how it might affect her career in a traditionally conservative sport. “I feel like the expectations to be a pretty princess, you know, cookie cutter, was kind of taken back a little bit by stepping outside of the norm and just embracing who I am,” she said.

That sense of authenticity has helped fuel her recent success. Glenn narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19 and later endured two serious concussions that caused orbital bone injuries and brain trauma. Despite those challenges, she returned to competition with renewed confidence, winning multiple gold medals and establishing herself as a contender on the international stage.

Glenn credits her family, her coach, and her support system for helping her manage anxiety and stay grounded. She also finds balance through everyday activities, including spending time with her dog and playing games, which help her cope with the pressures of elite competition.

“I’m gonna be me regardless of your opinions,” Glenn said, emphasising that embracing her identity has been central to her resilience.

As she continues training for the next Olympic cycle, Glenn is focused on staying healthy and enjoying the sport she loves. If she qualifies for the 2026 Games, she would be among the oldest U.S. women’s singles skaters to compete in nearly a century, a milestone that would cap a journey defined by perseverance, self-acceptance and determination.