At a Glance
- Amber Glenn and Emily Chan named to Team USA for February Olympics
- Glenn, 26, won her third U.S. national title in St. Louis
- Chan, 28, earned spot after dramatic short-program comeback with partner Spencer Howe
- Why it matters: North Texas now has two home-grown athletes on strongest U.S. women’s skating roster in decades
Two North Texas figure skaters will compete for Olympic glory next month after securing places on Team USA at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis.
Glenn Clinches Third National Crown
Amber Glenn of Plano dominated the women’s singles event, capturing her third national title and locking up an Olympic berth. The 26-year-old Texas native said the depth of this year’s squad sets it apart.
“I think it’s great that it’s not just one person is our singular hope. I think three go at it. Someone’s going to stick,” Glenn told TODAY’s Hoda Kotb alongside teammates Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito.
Glenn credited the tight-knit relationship among the three Olympians for their collective strength.
“One of the reasons we get along so well is because not that many people understand what it takes and understand the ups and downs of such an intense sport like we do,” she said.
The Dallas Figure Skating Club, fourth-largest in the country, celebrated Glenn’s selection with a social-media post noting her nearly 20-year membership. Club President Mary Pottenger praised Glenn’s longevity at the elite level.
“Amber’s consistency at the top level of U.S. women’s skating is the result of years of resilience and relentless work,” Pottenger said. “She’s been part of the fabric of Dallas FSC for years, and our members are thrilled to support her family as the Olympic season reaches its biggest stage.”
Chan Bounces Back for Olympic Nod
Emily Chan of McKinney and pairs partner Spencer Howe overcame a shaky short program to deliver a strong free skate, earning their place on the team. Chan, 28, trains at the Skating Club of Boston despite her North Texas roots.
“I was super shocked after the show with just everything that happened,” Chan said moments after being named to the Olympic roster. “I was shocked. Everything moved so fast, but you know, I’m trying to take everything in, and you know, appreciate all of those moments too, you know, because it makes us really appreciate the moments where you know we did it.”
Key Takeaways
- North Texas presence: Two local athletes on Team USA figure-skating squad
- Women’s singles strength: Glenn joins Liu and Levito in deepest U.S. contingent in decades
- Pairs resilience: Chan and Howe’s comeback secures Olympic spot despite early stumble
- Hometown support: Dallas FSC highlights Glenn’s two-decade journey from club ice to Olympic stage
