American figure skater Amber Glenn saw her gold medal dreams vanish in the women’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. A missed jump, occurring just after she completed one of the most difficult elements of her routine, left her in 13th place and more than 11 points behind the leader.
According to Daljoog News analysis, Glenn’s performance highlights the unforgiving nature of elite figure skating, where even a single error can undo years of preparation. Despite a flawless triple axel, her missed triple loop erased a potential podium position, underscoring the pressure athletes face on the Olympic stage.
Glenn’s fall comes after a season of triumph, including a U.S. national championship in St. Louis, where her “Like A Prayer” routine earned top scores. Fans, choreographers, and even Madonna herself had rallied behind Glenn, amplifying the emotional stakes of her Olympic performance.
What Happened?
Glenn executed a near-perfect triple axel, an element so challenging that only one other skater on Tuesday night, Japan’s Ami Nakai, managed it. Glenn’s execution outscored Nakai’s, demonstrating her technical prowess and Olympic-level skill.
Moments later, she attempted a triple loop, a jump she has landed thousands of times in training and competition. On the Olympic ice, however, Glenn under-rotated and landed a double loop instead. Under figure skating scoring rules, the misstep resulted in zero points for the jump, a catastrophic blow to her total score.
The error dropped Glenn from a potential fifth-place position to 13th, effectively ending her medal chances. Fellow U.S. skater Alysa Liu, watching from under the bleachers, reacted with visible shock, while Glenn completed the remainder of her routine with mechanical precision, the energy and expressiveness of her choreography drained by disappointment.
Why This Matters
Glenn’s experience illustrates how Olympic-level figure skating leaves no margin for error. A single failed element, even after a strong start, can determine medal outcomes and impact athletes’ careers.
The emotional toll of such mistakes is magnified by the global spotlight, with millions watching from around the world. Glenn’s short program, set to Madonna’s iconic “Like A Prayer,” was designed to combine technical difficulty with performance artistry, a balance that elite judges weigh heavily. The missed jump not only cost points but also disrupted the narrative and emotional flow of her routine.
What Analysts or Officials Are Saying
Peers and analysts noted Glenn’s resilience despite the setback. Alysa Liu commented that Glenn’s strength as an athlete would help her recover from the disappointment. Coaches emphasized that the routine’s earlier triple axel remained a remarkable accomplishment, reflecting Glenn’s technical skill and dedication.
NBC’s brief interview with Glenn immediately after her performance showed a composed yet visibly upset athlete, underscoring the emotional intensity of competing at the Olympic level. Analysts suggested that while Glenn’s medal hopes ended Tuesday, her performance on the triple axel cements her status as one of the top skaters in the world.
Daljoog News Analysis
Amber Glenn’s short program serves as a stark reminder of the precision and mental focus required in figure skating. Even the most experienced athletes can face heartbreak when under Olympic pressure. The juxtaposition of her flawless triple axel with the failed triple loop highlights the razor-thin margin between triumph and disappointment.
Daljoog News assesses that Glenn’s performance, though ending without a medal, will likely influence her future programs and training. The technical achievement of her triple axel sets a benchmark for the season, while the missed jump will inform mental conditioning and strategy for high-pressure events.
Her experience also shines a light on the emotional and psychological demands of Olympic competition, where years of preparation can hinge on seconds of execution. Glenn’s composure and determination in finishing the routine demonstrate resilience, even in defeat.
What Happens Next
Glenn will now refocus on the free skate, where she can attempt to recover some placement, though the medal podium is out of reach. Analysts expect U.S. figure skating officials to review the routine, training methods, and mental preparation strategies to support Glenn in upcoming international competitions.
The broader context of Milan-Cortina 2026 will continue to highlight technical mastery, artistry, and the high stakes of Olympic performance. Glenn’s journey, including the highs of her triple axel and the lows of a missed jump, will remain a defining story of the Games.