In Grenoble, France, Amber Glenn achieved a historic victory at the Grand Prix Final, securing her place at the top of international figure skating.
Glenn’s win marks the first time an American woman has claimed the Grand Prix Final title since Alissa Czisny’s triumph 14 years prior, surpassing three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, who finished third.
This victory caps a remarkable season for the 25-year-old Texan, who remains undefeated in the 2024-25 season, following her first U.S. national title win in January. Glenn acknowledges the challenge of adapting to her success.
“I’m exhausted,” she said. “It has been a whirlwind of a season and I’ve kind of struggled with this imposter syndrome. Just: ‘Oh, no, no, I’m not winning. That’s not me.’ And I’m just happy my hard work is finally showing, and this is a great event, and I’m honored to even be here.”
Competing last among six skaters, all but one from Japan, Glenn showed little effect from the pain that hindered her short program on Thursday.
Glenn’s performance began with a powerful triple axel. Despite a minor stumble, including a doubled triple salchow and an under-rotated triple flip, she finished strongly, earning a total score of 212.07.
Mone Chiba, who won silver at both her Grand Prix events this season, secured second place again with a score of 208.85. World champion Sakamoto, who underperformed in the short program, delivered a strong free skate to the music of “Chicago,” earning bronze with 201.13 points.
The U.S. has the potential for further success; Ilia Malinin holds the lead in the men’s event going into the free skate, and Madison Chock and Evan Bates lead in ice dance.