Figure skater Amber Glenn says Olympic mistake triggered ‘attacks and hate’ online

MILAN, ITALY: Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn said she endured a wave of “attacks and hate” online after a costly mistake during her short program at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics left her in 13th place.

The 26‑year‑old, known for her athleticism and as one of the rare women attempting a triple axel, looked poised for a strong result before a miscalculated triple loop jump was ruled invalid, giving her zero points on that element and dropping her score significantly. 

Amber Glenn details online abuse after Olympic performance

Glenn, who has been open about her identity and advocacy, said the emotional toll of the Olympics was compounded by harsh responses from some social media users after her performance. She described the backlash as a “bombardment of attacks and hate,” using her setback as fuel for online negativity.

What this really means is that in addition to dealing with her own disappointment, Glenn has had to navigate a flood of criticism that went beyond typical sports commentary. Her comments reflect a wider issue athletes face when their personal lives and public profiles intersect with competitive results.

Ahead of the Games, Glenn had taken breaks from social media after confronting online hostility tied to her public statements on political issues — a dynamic that has followed her into competition.

Amber Glenn’s Olympic results and support from fans 

Despite the short program setback, Glenn — part of Team USA’s strong showing in women’s figure skating — still qualified for the free skate. Her short program score of 67.39 placed her outside medal contention, a result that drew sympathy from teammates and fans alike.

At the same Olympics, US star Alysa Liu remained in the hunt for a medal after a strong short program, and Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto held top spots.

What this really highlights is the emotional pressure on elite athletes. Glenn’s experience became a flashpoint for a broader debate about how much athletes are expected to absorb criticism, especially when they openly share their identities and views.

What’s next for Amber Glenn after Milano Cortina

Glenn’s experience at the Games underscores the unpredictability of Olympic competition — from technical scoring quirks that can dramatically shift standings to the personal impacts of public scrutiny. Regardless of placement, her journey struck a chord with many skating fans who have rallied around her resilience and voice.