Summary (tl;dr)

Figure skater Amber Glenn, an Olympic gold medalist and vocal LGBTQ+ advocate, is currently trending following the announcement of her participation in Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars."

Essential Background

Amber Glenn is an American figure skater with a notable career, including being a three-time U.S. national champion from 2024 to 2026 and a 2026 Olympic Games team event gold medalist. She made history as the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating. During the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Glenn faced public backlash and received threats on social media due to her outspoken political comments concerning the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S.. Additionally, she was involved in a copyright dispute over the music used in her free skate program at the same Olympic Games.

The Full Story

Public interest in Amber Glenn has surged recently following the announcement on September 14, 2026, that she will be joining the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" for its 35th season. This news comes after a significant Olympic season where she not only secured a team event gold medal but also garnered considerable attention for her advocacy and related controversies. Her appearance on the popular reality competition show is poised to introduce her to an even wider audience beyond the figure skating world.

Why It Matters

Amber Glenn's involvement in "Dancing with the Stars" is significant as it brings a prominent figure skating athlete, known for her powerful technical skills and triple axel jump, into mainstream entertainment. This platform will amplify her voice on issues she passionately supports, such as LGBTQ+ visibility and mental health awareness in sports. Her participation offers a unique opportunity to bridge the worlds of elite athletics and popular culture, potentially inspiring new audiences and furthering important societal conversations.

Geographic Location

• Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy (2026 Winter Olympic Games team event gold medal, source of political comments and copyright dispute)