> At a Glance
> – Amber Glenn, 26, enters final Olympic prep with personal motto on her shirt
> – Move to Colorado Springs gave access to Olympic Training Center and reduced costs
> – New short program set to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” debuts this season
> – Why it matters: First openly LGBTQ U.S. women’s figure-skating champion aims to inspire Texans and beyond
One month before the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, figure skater Amber Glenn warms up in a T-shirt that reads “Believe and Breathe.” The Plano native says the phrase rescues her when she catches herself holding breath mid-program and reminds her of the self-belief her mom fostered by posting “Believe in yourself” notes around her childhood room.
Training Shift
Glenn relocated from North Texas to Colorado Springs to offset rising elite-skating expenses.
- Off-ice costs-physical therapy, neuro training, strength work-ballooned as demands grew
- Olympic Training Center access provides world-class support under one roof
- Gone are the 12-hour childhood rink days; current schedule is 2-3 hours on-ice, six days a week, plus targeted conditioning
At 26, she’s now among the older women’s competitors, but the intentional workload has fine-tuned her signature triple axel.
> “It’s feeling amazing. It’s one of the most satisfying things to do.”
Program & Identity
Her new short program, choreographed to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” contrasts graceful opening lines with an upbeat finish.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening | Elegant, balletic movement |
| Closing | Fast, playful footwork |
| Theme | Creativity meets athleticism |
Off the ice, Glenn speaks openly about being an out LGBTQ athlete, hoping visibility frees others from the “cookie-cutter princess” mold she once felt forced to fit.
> “Being able to fully embrace who I am was a huge step.”
Family & Texas Roots
A Plano police officer dad worked overtime, mom stitched early costumes and worked at the rink, and her sister has traveled every step-“a team effort.”
- Glenn senses Texas support online and at local competitions
- First-grade teacher recently surprised her at a Texas event, underscoring hometown backing
- She promises post-Olympics celebration with Texans
Key Takeaways
- Glenn’s “Believe and Breathe” mantra counters mid-program breath-holding and anchors self-confidence
- Relocation to Colorado Springs delivers cost-effective, science-backed training
- New Madonna program showcases artistic range heading into Milan-Cortina
- Open LGBTQ identity aims to inspire younger skaters to live authentically
With deep breaths, unwavering belief, and a state-sized cheering section, Amber Glenn glides toward the biggest competition of her life.
