American figure skater Amber Glenn, considered one of the favorites for Olympic gold, experienced dramatic moments during the short program at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. Despite personal support from Madonna, the 26-year-old athlete made a cardinal technical error that cost her points for a key jump. As a result, Glenn finished in a distant 13th place, which practically dashes her hopes for a medal in the individual competition.

Error Dashes Dreams

An invalid triple loop caused Amber Glenn to receive zero points for that element and drop to 13th place.

Japanese Dominance

17-year-old Ami Nakai leads after the short program, ahead of her compatriot Kaori Sakamoto and American Alysa Liu.

Support from Madonna

Despite the sporting failure, Glenn received a personal video from Madonna, who admired her routine to the song Like A Prayer.

Tuesday evening at the Milano Ice Skating Arena brought huge disappointment for the USA team. The women's short program, which was supposed to be a triumph for Amber Glenn, ended with her tears on the ice. The American, skating to the song "Like A Prayer," failed to land her planned triple loop. The judges deemed the element invalid, resulting in zero points for that jump and a drastic reduction of her total score to 67.39 points. Glenn, known for her openness about mental health and for being the first openly queer athlete on the U.S. team, did not hide her despair. Just before her performance, she received a special video from Madonna, who wished her luck, which the skater described as a shocking and motivating event. However, the Olympic pressure proved too great. The last Olympic gold medal in women's singles for the United States was won by Sarah Hughes at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002. For two decades, American fans have been waiting for a return to the top step of the podium. While Glenn was experiencing a sporting tragedy, her compatriot Alysa Liu performed excellently, taking third place. However, dominance on the ice was confirmed by the Japanese representatives. 17-year-old Ami Nakai took the lead thanks to a perfectly executed triple axel, ahead of the decorated Kaori Sakamoto. Amber Glenn now faces a tough battle in the free skate, although the point deficit to the leaders seems impossible to overcome. The athlete, who has openly criticized Donald Trump's policies in the past, is currently at the most difficult moment of her career, fighting not only for a result but also to regain confidence after a painful collapse of her medal hopes. Results after the women: Ami Nakai: 78.71, Kaori Sakamoto: 76.50, Alysa Liu: 74.20, Amber Glenn: 67.390 — points Glenn received for the invalid triple loop„Amber Glenn, I just saw you skating to my song and you are amazing.” — Madonna

Mentioned People

  • Amber Glenn — American figure skater, U.S. champion, who suffered a defeat in the short program.
  • Ami Nakai — Young Japanese figure skater, leader of the Olympic competition after the short program.
  • Alysa Liu — U.S. representative holding third place after the first day of competition.