Unstoppable Amber Glenn hits triple Axel and takes Short Program lead in Helsinki

FIGURE SKATING

Unstoppable Amber Glenn hits triple Axel and takes Short Program lead in Helsinki

21 Nov 2025

ISU Grand Prix Final Champion Amber Glenn from the United States was electric on the ice today to win the Women’s Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy Friday in Helsinki (FIN).

Amber Glenn (USA) takes Madonna on to the ice

United States ISU Grand Prix Final Champion Amber Glenn was on fire on the ice today. She won the Short Program ahead of reigning ISU World bronze medalist Mone Chiba of Japan. Canadian Madeline Schizas came third.

Amber Glenn of the United States in the Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU

Nothing seems to stop Amber Glenn. In spite of having tooth surgery last week, recovering from a sinus infection and missing training time, the US Champion put out a season's best performance of her dynamic program to “Like A Prayer” by Madonna.

She nailed her trademark triple Axel, a triple loop and difficult spins. Glenn got the crowd going at the Helsinki Ice Hall, they cheered and clapped along with the music. The Cup of China Champion netted 75.72 points.

“The performance felt good, especially the footwork,” Glenn shared. “I had a lot of fun, the crowd was great. I was happy I was able to get level fours on my steps and spins.

“The jumps did not feel great. I felt I was not able to get all the way to the top. I felt more like a rock skipping a puddle, but I've been working really hard mentally to be able to still stay on my feet and give a decent performance.

I'm really happy with the mental side. I just hope I can start feeling a little bit better physically tomorrow,” she continued.

Chiba delighted the audience with her performance to “Last Dance” by Donna Summer, showing off her musicality and style. Her opening triple flip-triple toe was somewhat wobbly, but the triple Lutz, double Axel and the spins were excellent.

Mone Chiba of Japan in the Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU

The 2024 ISU Four Continents Champion picked up 72.89 points, less than a point below her personal best.

“I am disappointed with the mistake, but overall, I was able to enjoy my performance because of the audience and the energy that they had,” the 2025 ISU World bronze medalist commented.

“The program ‘Last Dance’ keeps speeding up, and I use all the speed I can get.

“As for the triple-triple combination, I think it was better than in the short program at Skate Canada. I got a good feeling for the blade on the ice here, and I was able to keep myself composed and do the double Axel and triple Lutz,” she explained.

Schizas had returned to last season’s “Lion King” Short Program and it was a good choice.

Madeline Schizas of Canada in the Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU

The Canadian turned in a strong performance that featured double Axel, triple loop and difficult spins. She only stepped out of the triple Lutz-triple toe combination. The multiple Canadian Champion earned 65.16 points.

“I was nervous, but I didn't really have too many expectations. I just wanted to skate my best today, and I was focused to the end,” Schizas said.

“I was excited to come and skate my Lion King program again. It's one of my favorite programs, and it really shows the joy I have in my skating,” she said.

“After my Short Program at Skate Canada, my coach and our team leader pulled me aside and told me I should go back to the Lion King program, which I was really happy about. They didn't have to ask me twice.”

Bradie Tennell (USA) remains close to the podium at 63.92 points followed by Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) on 61.42 points. Rino Matsuike (JPN) rounds up the top six (61.26 points). 2024 ISU European Champion Loena Hendrickx (BEL) missed two jumps to finish tenth (54.75 points).

The schedule of the ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy is as follows:

Friday, November 21: Pairs, Men’s, Women’s Short Programs, Rhythm Dance
Saturday, November 22: Pairs, Men’s, Women’s Free Skating, Free Dance

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