S. Women's Figure Skating Champion

In a stunning victory at the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Amber Glenn has claimed the gold medal, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ skater to win the U.S. women's title. After several podium finishes in the past, including a third-place finish last year, Glenn's overall score of 210.46 finally secured her the top spot.

Glenn's triumph marks a significant milestone in the world of figure skating, as she shattered barriers by openly embracing her identity and succeeding on the ice. Speaking about her achievement, Glenn expressed pride in being the first openly queer women's champion, acknowledging the impact it may have on other young skaters who now feel more comfortable in their own environments.

The competition was intense, with Josephine Lee clinching the silver medal with an overall score of 204.13. Isabeau Levito, who initially held the top spot following the short programs, ultimately finished in third place after a couple of falls led to a deduction of four points.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Mia Kalin made history of her own during the event, becoming the first woman to flawlessly land a quadruple jump (also known as a "quad") at the U.S. Championships, despite not finishing on the podium. The crowd at Nationwide Arena witnessed this remarkable feat during Kalin's performance.

In the men's event, Ilia Malinin dominated the short program, amassing a commanding lead of almost 20 points over second-place skater Maxim Naumov with a score of 108.57. Although he did not perform a quad axel – the move that made him a record-breaker in 2022 – Malinin executed two other quad skills, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor.

Fan favorite and former Olympian Jason Brown experienced a minor setback in the men's short program, with one point deducted for a fall, landing him in third place. However, the undeterred veteran expressed his love for the US championships and his determination to continue fighting until the end.

The competition will continue with the ice dance and pairs events, both featuring their long programs on Saturday. As spectators eagerly anticipate the remaining performances, the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships have already showcased incredible athleticism, history-making moments, and a diverse and talented group of skaters.

The achievements of Amber Glenn, Mia Kalin, Ilia Malinin, and Jason Brown serve as inspiring reminders of the resilience and groundbreaking potential in the world of figure skating.