Amber Glenn Makes History as First Openly LGBTQ+ U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Champion

Triumphant Victory Marks a Watershed Moment in the Sport

In a groundbreaking moment for figure skating, Amber Glenn emerged as the first openly LGBTQ+ skater to claim the coveted U.S. women’s title, etching her name in the annals of the sport. With a captivating performance that showcased her resilience and artistry, Glenn secured the gold medal at the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Glenn’s Path to the Top

Glenn’s path to championship glory was paved with years of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering determination. Having previously graced the national stage on six occasions, she consistently displayed exceptional talent, earning a place among the nation’s elite figure skaters. However, this year’s victory marked a pivotal moment as Glenn ascended to the pinnacle of the sport, becoming a symbol of progress and inclusivity.

A Poignant Victory Speech

In the wake of her triumph, Glenn delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with audiences across the nation. Acknowledging the significance of her victory, she expressed her joy at being the first openly queer women’s champion. Glenn passionately shared her experiences of coming out, highlighting the transformative impact it had on her life and emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes.

A Competitive Showcase of Talent

The 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships witnessed a fierce battle for supremacy among the nation’s top female skaters. Josephine Lee and Isabeau Levito, both formidable contenders, gave Glenn a run for her money. Lee secured the silver medal with an impressive performance, while Levito, the reigning champion, faced setbacks that ultimately led to a third-place finish.

Missed Elements Mar Glenn’s Performance

Despite her ultimate victory, Glenn acknowledged that her free skate performance was not flawless. She candidly admitted to feeling disappointed in herself for missing certain elements, which cost her valuable points. However, she expressed gratitude for her achievement and acknowledged the significance of her triumph, even if it wasn’t the perfect performance she had envisioned.

Levito’s Unfortunate Mishaps

Levito, who had the opportunity to retain her title, faced a series of unfortunate events during her free skate. A challenging opening and subsequent falls resulted in a deduction of four points, effectively dashing her hopes of a consecutive championship. Levito expressed her disappointment, acknowledging that the pressure of defending her title may have contributed to her mistakes.

Kalina Makes History with Quadruple Jump

While the women’s free skate competition was dominated by Glenn, Lee, and Levito, another skater, Mia Kalina, etched her name in the history books. The 15-year-old prodigy became the first woman to cleanly land a quadruple jump, also known as a “quad,” at the U.S. Championships. This remarkable feat showcased Kalina’s exceptional skill and potential, signaling a bright future for the young skater.

Ilia Malinin Dominates Men’s Short Program

A Commanding Lead

In the men’s short program, Ilia Malinin asserted his dominance, securing a commanding lead with a remarkable score of 108.57. His performance was a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering consistency. Malinin’s lead of almost 20 points over the second-place skater, Maxim Naumov, was the largest in the history of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Malinin’s Quadruple Skills

Malinin lived up to his reputation as the “quad god” by executing two spectacular quadruple jumps during his short program. Although he did not attempt the quad axel, the move that catapulted him into the record books in 2022, Malinin’s performance was still awe-inspiring, showcasing his mastery of the most challenging jumps in the sport.

Brown’s Resilience Amidst Adversity

Jason Brown, the former Olympian and 2015 U.S. champion, faced a minor setback in the men’s short program. A fall early in his performance resulted in a one-point deduction, placing him in third position. Despite this misstep, Brown remained upbeat and resilient, expressing his love for the U.S. championships and his unwavering determination to fight until the end.

Ice Dance and Pairs Competitions Await

The 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will continue with the ice dance and pairs competitions, both culminating in their respective long programs on Saturday. These events promise to showcase the grace, athleticism, and artistry of the nation’s top figure skating duos.