MILAN, Italy – Amber Glenn secured a gold medal in the team figure skating event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, but the victory is shadowed by a rule that prevented her from competing for an individual medal. The 26-year-classic American skater, despite being a three-time U.S. National champion (2024-2026) – the first American woman to achieve this since Michelle Kwan from 1998 to 2005 – was ineligible for the individual competition due to age restrictions imposed by the International Skating Union (ISU).
The ISU rule, designed to encourage younger athletes in the sport, limits participation in major championships to skaters who are at least 15 years old but not yet 28 by the date of the event. Glenn, born October 28, 1999, turned 26 in 2025, making her the oldest American woman to qualify for an Olympic singles team since 1928, but still ineligible for the individual event. This is despite her consistent dominance in U.S. National competitions, winning titles in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Glenn’s performance in the team event was pivotal for the United States, contributing significantly to their gold medal win. She is also the reigning 2024-25 Grand Prix Final champion and has accumulated six ISU Grand Prix medals and five ISU Challenger Series medals throughout her career. Her clean triple axel, a feat accomplished by only three other American women in international competition, has become a signature element of her performances.
The decision to exclude Glenn from the individual competition has sparked debate within the figure skating community. While the ISU maintains the rule is intended to foster the development of younger talent, critics argue it unfairly penalizes experienced skaters who continue to perform at a high level. Glenn herself has not publicly commented on the rule, focusing instead on her team’s success.
Glenn’s participation in the Olympics also holds significance as she became the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating. Her visibility is seen as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the sport. She identifies as both bisexual and pansexual.
The U.S. Figure Skating Federation has not issued a statement regarding the ISU’s age restriction, and the ISU has remained silent on any potential review of the rule following Glenn’s situation. The next ISU council meeting, scheduled for June 2026, will be the first opportunity for formal discussion of the policy.
