ISU GP Finlandia Trophy 2025: Smiling Amber Glenn skates to first place in short program despite illness
Amber Glenn showcased her remarkable resilience and talent at the 2025 Finlandia Trophy on November 21 in Helsinki, Finland. Overcoming a sinus infection and dental issues, Glenn delivered an outstanding short program that earned her 75.72 points, surpassing her previous season’s best by over two points. This impressive performance not only secured first place but also outscored renowned competitors like world bronze medallist Chiba Mone from Japan and Canada’s Madeline Schizas.
Despite facing health challenges, including feeling “slow and sluggish,” Glenn maintained a cheerful demeanor throughout her routine to Madonna’s music. “I haven’t been feeling my best… if anything, I felt slow and sluggish,” she confessed. Yet, she surprisingly found calmness, which aided her performance. Glenn, who clinched the Grand Prix Final title last season, began her program with a powerful triple Axel, demonstrating both skill and determination. However, she landed one quarter under-rotated in her difficult combination of triple flip and triple toe loop.
Chiba Mone currently trails in second place with 72.89 points. Although disappointment colored her thoughts after a misstep on her own opening jumps, she still enjoyed her overall performance. Likewise, Schizas, who opted for a reprise of her beloved The Lion King program, finished third with 65.16 points, expressing her excitement about revisiting this joyful routine, arguably one of her favorites.
The competition wasn’t without surprises; Japan’s Sumiyoshi Rion, a six-time Grand Prix podium finisher, faltered into fifth place with 61.42 points after a fluke fall. Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx also struggled, landing in tenth after a troubled performance that included falls on two jumps.
As the Finlandia Trophy breezes towards the free skate competition, anticipation is palpable, holding the promise of continued thrilling performances in the figure skating world.
