Amber Glenn delivered when it mattered most in Milan, helping Team USA capture gold in the team figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics. But controversy was waiting around the corner for her after a bizarre row over music rights.
Making her Olympic debut in the women’s free skate segment, the 26-year-old placed third with a score of 138.62, a result that proved pivotal in securing the top spot for the Americans.
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While the performance was not flawless, Glenn avoided major errors and demonstrated the composure that has defined her recent rise.
“I’m happy I was able to fight through the program and stay committed to everything,” Glenn said afterward, per NBC Olympics.
“I’ve been practicing here incredibly; I’ve been feeling really good, and I think I just had some fatigue, and I need to really manage that going into the individual event.
“But I’m really proud of the mental strength that I’ve built over the years to be able to get through some mistakes in the beginning and really fight in the second half.”
Her remarks underscored a theme that has followed her throughout the Games: perseverance under pressure.
Since arriving in Italy, Glenn has navigated not only the intensity of Olympic competition but also public backlash tied to her political comments and a dispute over music rights.
McKinnon’s music and the row that escalated
The controversy escalated after Canadian artist Seb McKinnon took to X following the team event. Glenn has used the song “The Return” by CLANN, a project associated with McKinnon, in her free skate routine for over two years.
However, the artist raised concerns about authorization, writing: “So just found out an Olympic figure skater used one of my songs without permission for their routine.
“It aired all over the world … what? Is that usual practice for the Olympics?”
The post ignited debate online, adding to the scrutiny Glenn was already facing. Support quickly arrived from close to home.
Her sister, Brooke, shared throwback photos and a message on Instagram Stories on February 10 defending her sibling’s character.
“I am incredibly proud of my sister for always spreading kindness and advocating for everyone in the U.S.A. If you want to send hate, I encourage you to look inward, find peace, find love. We are all human,” she added.
“It is okay to change. It is okay to grow. It is okay to spread kindness. Don’t let your inner pains lead you to personally attacking ANY athlete who disagrees with you.”
Glenn reposted the message and added: “I love my sister so much.”
An amicable resolution
As the first openly LGBTQ female figure skater competing in the Olympics, Glenn has embraced visibility alongside performance.
“It’s been a hard time for the community overall in this administration,” Glenn told reporters in Milan last week. “It isn’t the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and try to fight for our human rights.
“And now especially, it’s not just affecting the queer community, but many other communities, and I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we didn’t have to before, and because of that, it’s made us a lot stronger.”
The music dispute ultimately reached an amicable resolution. Glenn shared a statement that McKinnon reposted on X, clarifying the situation.
“Sometimes new friendships start in unexpected ways. I discovered Seb McKinnon‘s music (CLANN) two years ago and felt a deep connection to it.
“The issue of music rights can be complex and confusing. Seems like there was a hiccup in that whole process. I’m glad we cleared things up with Seb and I look forward to collaborating with him.”
McKinnon responded positively: “I’m very honoured that Amber chose my music for her routine, won gold no less! I’m happy things were resolved amicably and that we both stand for the protection of artist rights. I’m looking forward to watching her compete on February 19th with my music again. Go Amber.”
For Glenn, the Games in Milan-Cortina have become about more than medals. They have showcased her athletic grit and tested her ability to navigate controversy, all while standing atop the podium with Team USA.