Feb 8, 2026; Milan, Italy; Amber Glenn of the United States of America celebrates after winning gold in the figure skating team event during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan, several American women athletes are finding themselves at the center of a tense cultural and political moment—one where calls for tolerance, compassion, and LGBTQ rights are being met with intense backlash and online abuse.
While the Olympic Games are often framed as a celebration of unity and peace, many athletes say the reality feels more complicated this year. For women competitors in particular, speaking openly about social values has brought both praise and punishment.
Feb 8, 2026; Milan, Italy; Amber Glenn of the United States of America performs in the women’s free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Figure skater Amber Glenn has become one of the most visible voices in this debate. The 26-year-old from Texas used a press conference to speak candidly about the challenges facing the LGBTQ community in the U.S., saying her community is once again being forced to fight for basic human rights. Glenn expressed hope that the Olympic stage could be used to encourage resilience and solidarity during what she described as “hard times.”
Soon after her remarks, Glenn said she was flooded with hateful messages and threats online. In a brief social media post that later expired, she described the volume and severity of the attacks as frightening. Speaking later, Glenn said she was deeply shaken by how quickly calls for empathy turned into personal abuse. She noted that she had never before experienced so many people wishing her harm simply for speaking about equality and decency.
Other women athletes echoed similar values, even if they did not receive the same level of attention. Svea Irving, a 23-year-old skier from Colorado, acknowledged the turmoil unfolding back home and said she remains committed to representing compassion, love, and respect through her actions. While her comments were less controversial, they reflect a broader pattern of women athletes emphasizing humanity over politics when asked about unrest in the U.S.
Dec 8, 2021; Copper Mountain, Colorado, USA; Svea Irving of the USA during freeski qualifiers for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix Halfpipe Snowboard / Freeski event at Copper Mountain Main Vein Superpipe. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
Past Olympians like cross-country skiing star Jessie Diggins—long admired for her openness about mental health and inclusion—have also helped shape a culture where women feel more empowered to speak about values beyond medals. That legacy, however, comes with risks in today’s polarized climate.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee confirmed that threats against athletes have increased in recent Games, particularly online. In a statement, the organization condemned abusive messages and said credible threats are reported to law enforcement. Officials acknowledged that social media has amplified harassment, especially toward athletes who speak on social or political issues.
The backlash directed at Glenn comes amid a broader political storm surrounding the Games, including protests against U.S. immigration enforcement and sharp criticism from conservative leaders aimed at athletes seen as insufficiently patriotic. While some competitors have chosen to avoid public commentary altogether, women like Glenn have continued to use their platforms, even knowing the personal cost.
For these athletes, the Olympic stage is about more than sport. It is also a space where identity, dignity, and human rights collide with global attention. As Amber Glenn put it, the goal isn’t division—it’s survival, strength, and reminding people that behind every uniform is a human being.
