Olympic Figure Skater Amber Glenn Claps Back at Critics Following Gold Medal Win
MILAN, Italy — American Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn returned to social media on Tuesday with a pointed message aimed at critics who targeted her following her gold medal victory in the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Glenn, who had taken a brief hiatus from social platforms due to a wave of negative comments, fired back with a direct and unapologetic statement.
Glenn posted photos of herself alongside fellow U.S. skater Alysa Liu on TikTok, captioning the images, “They hate to see two woke b—-es winning.” She elaborated, “If ‘Woke’ means people who use their platforms to advocate for marginalized communities in the country that they are actively representing …… Then yeah sure?”
This response came after Glenn publicly criticized the Trump administration in a pre-Olympics press conference last week, describing the period as a “hard time” for her and members of the LGBT community. Her remarks were part of a broader wave of political commentary from U.S. athletes leading up to the Games, reflecting the increasingly visible intersection of sports and social advocacy.
Glenn’s stance has sparked debate, with some praising her courage to speak out while others have expressed disapproval. The athlete’s willingness to use her platform to highlight social issues aligns with a growing trend among Olympians who view their visibility as an opportunity to champion causes beyond their sport.
The Winter Olympics, hosted this year in Milan, Italy, have seen a number of American athletes earn medals while also engaging in social and political discourse. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee supports athletes in their pursuits both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of representing their communities.
Amber Glenn’s return to social media underscores the challenges athletes face when navigating public scrutiny in the digital age. Her remarks highlight the tension between sports, politics, and personal identity, a dynamic that continues to evolve.
As the Games progress, the conversation around athlete activism remains prominent. The U.S. Figure Skating Association has acknowledged the significance of athletes expressing their views while maintaining focus on competition.
Glenn’s gold medal performance, alongside teammates including Liu, has brought renewed attention to the sport and the athletes’ roles as representatives of both their country and their values. The International Olympic Committee continues to navigate the balance between maintaining the Olympic spirit and respecting athletes’ rights to free expression.
For more coverage on the intersection of sports and social issues, the Sporting News offers in-depth analysis and updates on athletes’ activism and achievements.
Amber Glenn’s candid response to criticism not only reflects her personal convictions but also signals a broader shift in how athletes engage with the world beyond their disciplines. As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, her voice remains a powerful reminder of the evolving role of sports figures in contemporary society.
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