American Amber Glenn survives a fall to win her 1st Grand Prix figure skating title
Amber Glenn made a triumphant comeback after a fall and her own doubts to secure her first-ever Grand Prix figure skating title at the Grand Prix de France. The American skater had a strong lead after Friday’s short program and with the support of the crowd in Angers, France, she managed to push through a challenging free skate.
Despite a stumble on a triple flip and needing to steady herself on two other jumps, Glenn persevered and credited the audience for helping her stay focused. “I didn’t feel that great out there today but I really tried and the audience really got me through that last half when I was doubting myself,” Glenn stated. “The audience was really strong and really encouraging, so I really fought for everything I could.”
Glenn’s performance in the free skate earned her the third-best score of the day, but her overall total of 210.44 points was enough to secure the title. She finished ahead of Japanese skaters Wakaba Higuchi, who had previously won at Skate America, and Rion Sumiyoshi. South Korea’s Kim Chaeyeon, who was second after the short program, slipped to fourth place overall, with 17-year-old U.S. skater Sarah Everhardt making an impressive debut on the Grand Prix circuit.
The men’s, ice dance, and pairs competitions were set to conclude later on Saturday, rounding out an exciting weekend of figure skating action in France. Amber Glenn’s victory marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. With this win under her belt, Glenn is sure to continue making waves in the world of figure skating.