Figure skating has received significant attention for revealing and breaking stereotypes through the performances of well-known figure skaters Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn. Compared to other sports, figure skating scoring is based on judges’ opinions rather than objective rules.
Alysa Liu had been skating for 11 years before deciding to take a hiatus from the sport in 2022. Liu shared that her reason for leaving the sport was for the betterment of her mental health. She had made public statements on her Instagram account that she would spend the time away from the intense training and burnout to be with her friends and family.
After taking a hiatus from the sport, Liu returned after a skiing trip with her friends, stepping back onto the rink and revealing a long-lasting love for the sport despite everything she had experienced. This shocked the public after her early retirement, and some criticized her for coming back to the sport. She then competed in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games in 2026, representing Team USA, where she won two Olympic gold medals.
Rancho Cucamonga High School sophomore and figure skater Ivy Siahaan elaborated on how Liu’s journey impacts and inspires other skaters, and how there isn’t just one way to gain success.
“I think her whole journey shows girls, or just figure skaters in general, that you don’t have to be a certain way or you don’t have to fit the perfect standard to be a figure skater. She shows that you can enjoy the sport and do what you like at the same time,” Siahaan said.
Liu broke stereotypes since returning to competition, but she didn’t do it alone. In the 2025 Cup of China, Liu and Amber Glenn competed alongside each other, with Glenn in first and Liu finishing in second. In January of 2026, Team USA was announced for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, grouping Liu and Glenn once again.
Her career’s journey challenged the idea that walking away means the end of everything. She showed the world that she is the only person who can choose when it’s time to end. Glenn shows similar passion.
In a sport where youth is desired and idolized, Glenn made her mark and showed skaters around the world that age shouldn’t define them. After skating since the age of five, Glenn made her Olympic debut at the age of 26, which is considered old for the world of competitive figure skating.
Age isn’t the only thing Glenn is criticized for in her career. In 2019, Glenn came out as bisexual and pansexual to the Dallas Voice News, which brought forth both support and harsh criticism. Glenn is now the only LGBTQ+ woman on the US Olympic figure skating team. Later in 2026, Glenn spoke out about President Donald Trump and his administration’s effect on LGBTQ+ rights.
As an openly queer woman, she stands out as an idol and an icon to many on and off the ice. Siahaan even described her as her ‘Queer Queen’ and said that having someone like Glenn in this sport helps welcome it to a broader audience.
RCHS sophomore Maurie Guevarra explained how important Amber Glenn’s success is to the youth and young athletes.
“I think with [Amber Glenn] being out, more people would be more confident and free about who they are,” Guevarra said.
Following their Olympic success, Glenn is currently qualifying for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships free skate. Liu declined to participate.
