Amber Glenn Protects Teary Skater from Cameraman at Olympics
During the Milano Cortina Olympics, a touching moment unfolded between Team USA’s Amber Glenn and Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto. The incident occurred after Sakamoto’s performance in the women’s free skating final, where her quest for gold came to an unexpected halt.
Amber Glenn Supports Kaori Sakamoto
As Sakamoto faced disappointment following a performance that cost her the gold medal, Glenn stepped in to provide comfort. Sakamoto had entered the competition in a promising second place, but a mistake during a crucial triple combination led to her finishing in second, just 1.91 points behind American Alysa Liu.
A Moment of Kindness
Glenn was seen crouching near Sakamoto, who appeared emotional following her skate. In a significant show of support, Glenn shielded Sakamoto from a nearby cameraman trying to capture the moment. She expressed her empathy through social media, noting the intrusive nature of media coverage during vulnerable moments.
- Amber Glenn’s Quote: “Dude, I know it’s their job, but they will get all up in your business when you clearly need space; it’s wild.”
- Sakamoto’s Final Standing: Finished second, 1.91 points behind Liu.
- The Bronze Medallist: Ami Nakai, finished third, 5.74 points behind Sakamoto.
- Glenn’s Performance: Finished fifth after scoring 147.52 in her free skate.
Context of the Competition
The competition held special significance for Sakamoto, who had announced her retirement following the Olympics. Reflecting on her performance, she mentioned, “I only felt regret. I guess this is how my story ends.” Sakamoto previously earned a bronze medal four years earlier, and her frustration highlighted her dedication to the sport.
Glenn, who had her own struggles earlier in the Games, finished with a score that ultimately placed her in fifth. She chose to focus on enjoying her skating, saying, “I’m going to do what I do best, which is enjoy skating.” This moment of compassion between athletes emphasizes the challenges and emotions faced during high-pressure competitions.
The 2026 Winter Olympics captured the essence of sportsmanship, illustrating how one athlete’s kindness can uplift another in times of need.
