As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up on February 22, 2026, American figure skater Amber Glenn made headlines for her candid remarks regarding a rarely discussed topic in elite sports: the challenge of competing during menstruation. Her brave comments broke longstanding taboos in the world of figure skating.
“It’s tough and nobody talks about it”
Competing at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Glenn finished fifth in the free skate portion. However, it was her powerful testimony that resonated most. Speaking with France Télévisions, she shared, “I have my period right now, so it’s really tough, especially when you have to wear this kind of clothing and perform in front of the entire world.”
She continued, “It’s tough and nobody talks about it. It’s really difficult and frightening, and you’re overwhelmed. This is something that isn’t often discussed when it comes to female athletes, yet it should be.” Such a rare acknowledgment in a sporting realm that often separates performance from the biological realities facing women highlights the courage it takes to address these challenges openly.
❄️ #MilanoCortina2026 | 🗣️ Amber Glenn’s spontaneous remarks after her free skate: “I have my period right now; it’s really tough, especially when you have to wear this kind of clothing and perform.”
➡️ Watch the Olympics live: https://t.co/fWyqfxoDw3 pic.twitter.com/0nNfZbKOpU
— francetvsport (@francetvsport) February 19, 2026
Real Effects on the Body
Menstruation can incur various symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and mood swings. For some female athletes, these symptoms can impact focus, endurance, and recovery. The day before her performance, Amber Glenn shared on social media that the menstrual cycle could “affect energy levels, concentration, mood, and physical comfort depending on the phases.”
Sports medicine experts emphasize that the impact varies significantly among athletes. While some experience little to no change, others may need to adjust their training accordingly. The International Olympic Committee has been advocating for a greater awareness of menstrual health in elite female athletes, encouraging research on how to align training loads with hormonal cycles.
Persisting Taboos in Elite Sports
Amber Glenn is not the only athlete to broach this subject during the Winter Olympics. Italian biathlete Dorothea Wierer also spoke about her struggles during competition due to menstruation, remarking that “for us women, it’s just how it is once a month.”
Despite these disclosures, open dialogues about this issue remain limited. For a long time, menstrual cycles were not taken into account in athletic training plans. Nowadays, some teams are tracking hormonal data to better tailor preparation and recovery.
Towards Evolving Practices?
Amber Glenn’s comments are part of a broader movement aimed at normalizing discussions around the health of women and menstruators in sports. An increasing number of studies are exploring the relationship between the menstrual cycle and athletic performance, though findings remain complex and individualized.
By openly discussing her menstruation during the Olympic competition, Amber Glenn has shed light on a reality frequently overlooked. Her testimony serves as a reminder that women’s athletic performance is not separated from their bodies; rather, recognizing these factors is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of athlete health.
