Amber Glenn secured her third consecutive U.S. figure skating title on January 9, 2026, at the national championships in St. Louis, Missouri, earning a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Games. Her victory, marked by a stellar free skate, cements her status as a leading American skater and sets the stage for a potentially historic Olympic performance alongside teammates Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito.
Glenn, 26, delivered a commanding performance that began with a record-breaking short program earlier in the week. In the free skate, she executed a near-flawless routine, scoring 150.50 points for a total of 233.55, outpacing reigning world champion Alysa Liu by more than four points. Liu, who skated to a revamped Lady Gaga medley, finished second with 228.91 points, while Isabeau Levito took third with 224.45 points. The trio’s dominance was evident as they shared a heartfelt embrace after the scores were announced, highlighting their close friendship and mutual respect.
The competition’s outcome has significant implications for the U.S. Olympic team selection, scheduled to be announced on January 11. Glenn, Liu, and Levito are all but guaranteed to represent the United States in women’s singles at the Milano Cortina Olympics, forming what experts consider the strongest American women’s team in nearly two decades. This marks Glenn’s first Olympic berth, a milestone in her career that has seen her rise through the ranks with consistency and grace.
In the pairs competition, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov defended their national title with a score of 207.71 points, but their Olympic participation is in doubt due to Efimova’s pending U.S. citizenship. Despite their victory, the Finland-born Efimova lacks a U.S. passport, which is required for nomination, potentially opening the door for second-place finishers Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea to make their Olympic debut. This situation underscores the complex eligibility rules that can impact team composition.
Historically, Glenn’s achievement places her among elite company, as she becomes the first woman to win three consecutive U.S. titles since Michelle Kwan’s eight-year reign from 1998 to 2005. Her success reflects a resurgence in American women’s figure skating, which has faced a medal drought at the Olympics since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006. Glenn’s emotional reaction after her skate, where she took a moment in child’s pose on the ice, resonated with fans and underscored the pressure and triumph of the moment.
The camaraderie among the top skaters was a highlight of the event. Liu, 20, and Levito, 18, expressed admiration for Glenn, with Liu describing her as a “big sister” and Glenn reciprocating with praise for their positive influence. This supportive dynamic contrasts with the intense competition, showcasing the sport’s evolving culture where athletes celebrate each other’s successes while striving for personal bests.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the men’s and ice dance competitions, where favorites like Ilia Malinin and Madison Chock with Evan Bates are expected to secure their spots. The U.S. team aims to build momentum for the Olympics, where figure skating events begin on February 6. With a balanced squad across disciplines, the Americans are poised to challenge for multiple medals, ending a long-standing drought in women’s singles.
In conclusion, Glenn’s victory not only highlights her individual prowess but also signals a promising era for U.S. figure skating. As the team prepares for Milano Cortina, the performances in St. Louis have set high expectations, with fans eagerly anticipating the official roster announcement and the upcoming global stage.
