Amber Glenn Makes History as First Openly LGBTQ+ U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Champion
A Milestone Victory for Inclusivity and Acceptance
In a groundbreaking moment for figure skating, Amber Glenn has shattered barriers to become the first openly LGBTQ+ skater to win the U.S. women’s figure skating championship. Her triumph, marked by a compelling overall score of 210.46, not only earned her the gold medal at the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships but also etched her name in history as a trailblazing icon.
Glenn’s victory is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After previously securing podium finishes at nationals, including a third-place finish in 2023, she has now ascended to the pinnacle of U.S. women’s figure skating. Her success on the ice transcends personal achievement, serving as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and acceptance within the sport.
“Being the first openly queer women’s champion is incredible,” Glenn expressed. “When I came out originally, I was terrified and scared it would affect my scores or something, but I didn’t care. It was worth it to see, over the last couple of years, the amount of young people that feel more comfortable in their environments at the rink.”
A Thrilling Women’s Competition
The women’s competition at the U.S. Championships was a captivating spectacle, characterized by fierce rivalry and nail-biting performances. Josephine Lee clinched the silver medal with a total score of 204.13, while Isabeau Levito, the reigning champion, settled for third place.
Levito and Glenn engaged in a captivating battle following Thursday’s short programs, with Levito holding a slim lead. However, both skaters faced challenges in their free skate performances. Glenn executed a triple axel but encountered missed elements later in the program, while Levito struggled with a couple of falls.
Mia Kalin’s Historic Quadruple Jump
While Glenn’s victory captured the headlines, another historic moment occurred during the women’s free skate program. Fifteen-year-old Mia Kalin etched her name in the record books by becoming the first woman to cleanly land a quadruple jump, also known as a “quad,” at the U.S. Championships. Although she did not finish on the podium, Kalin’s achievement marks a significant milestone in the sport.
Ilia Malinin’s Dominance in the Men’s Short Program
In the men’s competition, Ilia Malinin asserted his dominance in the short program, earning a score of 108.57. With a commanding lead of almost 20 points over the second-place skater, Maxim Naumov, Malinin secured the largest lead in U.S. Figure Skating Championship history after the short programs portion of the men’s event.
Malinin, known as the “quad god,” lived up to his nickname by executing two quad skills, although he did not attempt the quad axel that brought him into the record books in 2022.
Jason Brown’s Resilience Despite Setback
Jason Brown, the former Olympian and 2015 U.S. champion, faced a setback in the men’s short program, receiving a one-point deduction for a fall that landed him in third place. However, the 29-year-old veteran remained positive and expressed his love for the U.S. Championships, which he considers a homecoming.
Anticipation for Ice Dance and Pairs Competitions
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships will continue with the ice dance and pairs competitions, both culminating in their long programs on Saturday. These events promise to deliver more captivating performances and intense rivalries, as skaters vie for the coveted national titles.