Amber Glenn Declines White House Invitation Following Winter Olympics Success
US figure skater Amber Glenn, a member of the gold medal-winning team at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, has announced she will not attend a potential visit to the White House. This decision stems from her outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
A Statement of Principle
Glenn, who identifies as pansexual and bisexual, made her decision public at an event hosted by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in Los Angeles. She expressed solidarity with the US women’s ice hockey team, who previously declined an invitation to Trump’s State of the Union address. “I’m electing not to either, so I do not blame them whatsoever,” Glenn stated. “It is our right to be able to choose what we do and don’t endorse, and I think it is a decision that each individual has the right to make.”
Political Activism and Athlete Responsibility
Glenn’s stance highlights a growing trend of athletes using their platform to address political and social issues. She passionately defended the right of athletes to voice their opinions, countering the argument that they should “stick to sports.” “I know that a lot of people say you’re just an athlete, like, stick to your job, shut up about politics, but politics affect us all,” she explained. This sentiment resonated with many, but also drew criticism from conservative voices online.
Backlash and Support
The skater acknowledged receiving backlash for her comments, but emphasized that the outpouring of support far outweighed the negativity. “The amount of support and encouragement that I’ve received outweighs the hate immensely,” she shared. “I know how much more important it is to have this visibility to young athletes than it is to these people that are being crabby and are hateful of empathy and kindness.”
Glenn’s Olympic Performance & Legacy
Beyond the team gold, Glenn achieved a commendable fifth-place finish in the Olympic women’s singles figure skating event, won by fellow American Alysa Liu. She is a three-time US figure skating champion and has become a role model for many young athletes, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Her courage to speak out during the Games, where she described a “hard time for the [queer] community overall in this administration,” has cemented her position as a powerful advocate for inclusivity.
The White House Response
As of this writing, the White House has not commented on whether Glenn and her teammates were formally invited. This follows a similar pattern with the women’s ice hockey team, who initially received an invitation but later declined, citing prior commitments. The situation underscores the complex relationship between athletes, politics, and national representation. You can find more information about the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the official Olympics website.
