The ice in St. Louis became a stage for both athletic excellence and genuine friendship Friday night as Amber Glenn claimed her third consecutive U.S. figure skating championship. But what happened next captured something even more special than the victory itself.

After delivering a stunning free skate that secured her spot at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Glenn didn't celebrate alone. The 26-year-old immediately invited silver medalist Alysa Liu and bronze finisher Isabeau Levito to join her in the kiss-and-cry area, wrapping her competitors into a tight group hug. "We all deserve it," Glenn said tearfully to her soon-to-be Olympic teammates, reminding us that sports can bring out the best in human nature.

Glenn's achievement is remarkable on its own. She becomes the first woman to win three consecutive U.S. figure skating championships since the legendary Michelle Kwan, who dominated from 1998 to 2005. Her combined score of over 150 points put her four points ahead of Liu, capping a performance that left both Glenn and her coach Damon Allen speechless with joy.

The Bright Side

What makes this story truly shine is the exceptional team forming around Glenn. Together with Liu, the reigning world champion, and Levito, the talented 18-year-old who brings personality and power to the ice, the United States will field what experts are calling their strongest women's figure skating team in decades.

This matters tremendously for American figure skating, which hasn't seen a women's singles Olympic medal since Sasha Cohen's silver in 2006. No U.S. woman has claimed singles Olympic gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002. That 24-year drought could finally end with this dynamic trio heading to Milan.

"I think the U.S. ladies have come so far in the last two decades," Glenn said optimistically, "that if all three of us do our jobs in Milan, then more than likely someone's going to be up there." When Liu quietly added "all of us" under her breath, it captured the team's collective confidence and mutual support.

The personality each skater brings makes them even more captivating. The 20-year-old Liu dyed white horizontal stripes into her brown hair before delivering a powerful Lady Gaga program. Levito, full of youthful energy, raised both fists triumphantly after her clean performance. Glenn, despite admitting she felt like she "was gonna throw up" during warmups, pushed through nerves and a shaky landing to claim her historic victory.

Even fourth-place finisher Bradie Tennell, the two-time champion who helped the U.S. win Olympic team bronze in 2018, received a standing ovation for her highest score at nationals since 2021. She bowed her head to the ice, kissed her hand, and patted the surface in a touching moment of gratitude.

Figure skating competition at the Milan Olympics begins February 6, and America's women are ready to end that long medal drought. With talent, determination, and genuine friendship propelling them forward, these three remarkable athletes remind us that the greatest victories are sweeter when shared.