ISU Grand Prix Final 2025: In redemptive free skate, Amber Glenn breathes belief back into her skating: “Today was for me”
The 2024 Grand Prix Final champion, Amber Glenn, showcased an impressive resurgence during the free skate at the 2025 ISU Grand Prix Final held in Nagoya, Japan, on December 6th. Despite a challenging short program that left her in last place, Glenn soared to new heights in the long program, finishing fourth overall.
“Today was for me,” she exclaimed in an emotional interview with Olympics.com following her performance. After struggling with a failed triple Axel earlier, Glenn redeemed herself by nailing a remarkable score of 144.65 for her long program, amassing a total of 211.50 points in the event.
Glenn highlighted the importance of self-belief in her recovery. “This skate put that belief back in myself going forward,” the 26-year-old explained. She reflected on her arrival in Nagoya filled with doubt, stating, “I had to remind myself that I do belong here and I’ve worked hard for this.
Beginning her uplifting routine to “I Will Find You” and “The Return,” Glenn executed her opening jump—a triple Axel—highlighting her determination. Following that, she executed a flawless triple flip-triple toe loop and a triple Lutz-double toe, providing moments of breathtaking artistry.
Despite fighting through a tough eighth jump, a loop that faced an under-rotation call, Glenn’s overall performance maintained a graceful consistency that won over the audience. The competition concluded with Liz’s teammate, Alysa Liu, seizing the Grand Prix Final title, racking up a total of 222.49 points, outpacing Japan’s Nakai Ami and Sakamoto Kaori.
As the 2025-26 Olympic season progresses, this Grand Prix Final serves as a crucial stepping-stone for athletes eyeing the February Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. Glenn’s powerful comeback reflects an exciting season ahead, reinforcing her as a strong contender in the figure skating elite.
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