Skater's Gold Tarnished by Music Copyright Dispute

American figure skater Amber Glenn earned an Olympic gold medal in the team event on Sunday, February 8, 2026, but her victory was overshadowed by a music copyright dispute. Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, known as CLANN, publicly stated that Glenn used his song "The Return" in her routine without his consent, a practice he questioned as standard for the Olympics.

Obtaining music rights for figure skating routines has become a complex issue, particularly after the International Skating Union relaxed rules in 2014 to allow modern music, moving away from a previous ban on vocals and reliance on public domain classical pieces. This shift meant artists could demand compensation, leading to complications with multiple copyright holders and licensing companies.

This music controversy is not the only challenge Glenn has faced at the Milan Games. She has also encountered significant social media backlash and threats following her public statements supporting LGBTQ+ rights and criticizing the current political climate. Glenn expressed disappointment over the negativity, stating it diminished her excitement for the Games.

Figure skating federations, including U.S. Figure Skating, have been working to help skaters navigate these copyright issues, a problem that notably came to a head at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Despite these efforts, the complexity of music licensing continues to present hurdles for athletes in the sport.