The United States’ women’s figure skating team at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was led by Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn. These two athletes have been dominating the sport over the past several years, and they had extremely high hopes heading into the Winter Games.
Liu is the defending 2025 World Figure Skating and Grand Prix Final champion. Glenn, on the other hand, is a three-time U.S. national champion and a six-time ISU Grand Prix medalist.
Liu and Glenn are two of the most decorated American figure skaters, and they were determined to lead the nation to Olympic glory at the Winter Games.
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Both skaters delivered in the team competition. Liu and Glenn played key roles as Team USA secured the gold in the team event. It was the first Olympic medal for both skating stars.
Liu took it one step further. She dominated the individual competition, leading to a second gold medal in the women's singles competition. The 20-year-old became the first female American figure skater to win gold in an individual event in the Olympics since 2002.
Liu made waves not only for her awe-inspiring performance in the free skate, but also for how she celebrated her victory. The Clovis, California, native was seen consoling, embracing and celebrating with Japanese skaters Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, who finished second and third, respectively.
Glenn also caught attention online for her role in the celebrations. Just as Liu’s gold medal was confirmed, Glenn was seen propping Liu up from her chair. Glenn made sure that her teammate would fully celebrate her time in the spotlight.
Glenn’s actions did not escape the watchful eyes of fans on social media.
“I also love how Amber is waiting with her, knowing that Alyssa will hold back even if she wins, so she kind of forces her to stand up and take that moment to celebrate herself. And she looks so genuinely content and happy, even though she isn’t on the podium. The women in this Olympics — not just skating, but many events— shows so many times how they lift each other up and I loved it,” a comment on Instagram read.
“Amber Glenn is so supportive❤️. She was clapping, cheering Alysa. Amber, your triple axel was the best I’ve ever seen👏,” said another.
“Amber tremendous sportswoman,” declared a supporter.
“I absolutely loved the moment Amber gently guided Alyssa to stand and suggested everyone give Ami a round of applause. It felt so natural—like a proud big sister or a thoughtful mentor. Amber is always so graceful and mature. I adore her,” a reaction read.
“I love how Amber is standing there so proud of Alysa ❣️,” another said.
“Amber, what a beautiful soul!!!” a fan wrote.
Glenn faltered in the individual short program. However, she bounced back with an incredible routine in the free skate. It wasn’t enough to lift her to a podium finish, though, with the 26-year-old settling for a fifth-place finish.
Glenn may not have added to her medal tally in the free skate, but her actions toward Liu during the latter’s victorious moment did not go unnoticed.