COY COVINGTON | Contributing Writer
coyact@aol.com
If you’re two-time U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Champion Amber Glenn, this has been a sweet and smokin’ season.
Yep, in January the out queer Plano native won her second straight U.S. Figure Skating Nationals title in what has become a rare undefeated season. She conquered the Lombardia Trophy, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, Grand Prix Final and, now, another crown at Nationals.
She is happily toting around some serious hardware.
Glenn did it fighting all the way. Known as much for her grit as her skating skills, Glenn does not back down. Ever. She didn’t have the 2025 Nationals (held in Wichita, Kan.) she’d hoped for, but she still took the gold medal.
“Coming into these Nationals, I wasn’t feeling my absolute best, and not being able to fully lock in. But for the most part I got into the zone I needed to, and I’m very proud of my mental fortitude and the progress I’ve made,” Glenn said. “I hope to continue the consistency the rest of the season.”
Fans hope so too.
Armed with her trademark triple axel (landed by only four other U.S. women in international competition), Glenn has her sights squarely set on the upcoming World Championships kicking off for senior skaters on Wednesday, March 26, in skate-crazed Boston at the TD Garden (known of course, to locals simply as the “gahden”).
She will compete against teammates Alysa Liu (herself a two-time U.S. champion) and Isabeau Levito. While Liu won the bronze medal in Wichita, injured Levito didn’t even compete there. But governing body U.S. Figure Skating (USFS) kicked the Nationals silver medalist, newcomer Sarah Everhardt, to the curb in favor of the more experienced Levito (as is their right to do; says so right in the rule book).
It is a huge opportunity. Not only are all of Team USA (including Men’s Singles, Pairs and Ice Dancing) competing for themselves and country, but, due to the rules established by the International Skating Union (ISU), they are competing for the number of athletes that Team USA can send to the 2026 Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.
But there’s a lot more to Amber Glenn than ice and axels. In 2019 she came out to this reporter in this publication as bisexual/pansexual and hasn’t looked back. Although it can be lonely being the only queer U.S. woman’s competitor, Glenn has the moxie and the mettle to fight for medals.
Happily, she’ll have queer company on Team USA in Boston. Out Men’s competitor Jason Brown, arguably the most beloved skater in the world, will be there.
Brown didn’t compete at Nationals either, citing “a series of challenges adjusting to an equipment change.” That typically means issues with boots/skates.
“Breaking in skates is one of the most painful — and annoying — things a skater has to go through,” wrote Gracie Abrams on FigureSkatingAdvice.com. “The importance of foot and ankle support is so paramount I don’t even know how to express it with words.”
“That’s what boots are all about. Yes, ok — they let you skate. They act as the intermediary between you and the ice; they are your tool. But they are also your support, your strength, and your confidence needs to be well over 100 percent in them, or else you’re not going to feel right. And, sooner or later, something is going to happen.”
So even though Brown, himself a national champion and an Olympian, didn’t compete at Nationals, he petitioned to be placed on the team, and, after monitoring and going through “return to play” protocols, USFS did indeed name him to the team (much to the glee of fans worldwide).
“I’m feeling so much better,” Brown told Olympics.com. “I’m really grateful that they accepted the petition, and they gave me that spot for Worlds. I’m really, really proud of the progress that I’ve made, solving those equipment issues.”
Brown can’t compete with the Quad God, U.S. Men’s Champion Ilia Malinin (who boasts he will attempt six quads in his Free Skate at Worlds). Brown won’t even try. That’s not his deal.
His deal is unequaled artistry with deep edges, perfect glide, soft knees, fantastic flexibility and superb spins. He often brings audiences to tears and to their feet.
And yes, he is absolutely as nice and genuine as he seems.
So. Amber Glenn and Jason Brown: Remember their names. History already has.
The World Champions will air beginning March 26 on NBC, USA and streaming on Peacock.com. Check local listings.
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2025 World Figure Skating Championships Schedule
All times Central; Subject to change.
- Tuesday, March 25
All Day | Official Practice - • Wednesday, March 26
11:05 p.m. | Women’s Short Program
5:45 p.m. | Pairs Short Program - Thursday, March 27
10:05 a.m. | Men’s Short Program
5:15 p.m. | Pairs Free Skate
• Friday, March 28
10:15 a.m. | Rhythm Dance
5 p.m. Women’s Free Skate - Saturday, March 29
12:30 p.m. | Free Dance
5 p.m. | Men’s Free Skate - Sunday, March 30
1 p.m. | Exhibition of Champions