Alysa Liu Shines as Amber Glenn Stumbles on Opening Night
The opening night of the women’s figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics in Milan showcased triumphs and setbacks. While Alysa Liu excelled with a stellar performance, her teammate Amber Glenn faced a challenging evening.
Alysa Liu Leads the U.S. Charge
Reigning world champion Alysa Liu, 20, impressed the audience with her performance set to Laufey’s “Promise.” Her routine earned a season-best score, placing her in third position after the short program. This strong showing enhances her chances heading into the free skate on Thursday.
Top Contenders
- Alysa Liu – 3rd place
- Ami Nakai – 1st place
- Kaori Sakamoto – 2nd place
- Isabeau Levito – 8th place
- Amber Glenn – 13th place
Amber Glenn’s Performance and Reaction
Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion making her Olympic debut at 26, began her routine strongly with a clean triple axel. However, she faltered at the last jump, opting for a double rather than the required triple. Her score of 67.39 left her in 13th place, significantly lower than expectations.
Emotionally affected by the performance, Glenn exited the ice in tears. Liu, who was aware of Glenn’s struggles, expressed her concern for her friend. “She’s worked so hard, and I just want her to be happy,” Liu remarked.
Focus on Mental Health
Throughout her career, Amber Glenn has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing her battles with anxiety and depression. Despite the disappointing score, her resilience continues to inspire many in the figure skating community.
Looking Ahead to the Free Skate
With the free skate on Thursday, the pressure is on Liu to carry the hopes of U.S. fans for a medal, as only two American women reached the top ten. Liu’s focus remains on the performance itself rather than the medals. “I just need to be present,” she stated, hinting at her plans for an Olympic exhibition gala program.
The journey for Liu and Glenn continues, with all eyes on their performances in the upcoming rounds. Fans eagerly await how this dramatic competition will unfold as the U.S. seeks its first women’s figure skating medal in two decades.
