U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn has successfully resolved a copyright dispute with Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, known professionally as CLANN, over the use of his song “The Return” during her free skate performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. This development follows McKinnon’s comments on social media expressing surprise that his music was used without permission, raising questions about the complexities of music rights in the sport.
The issue surfaced after Glenn performed her routine in the women’s team event on February 8, 2026. McKinnon took to social media to voice his concerns, stating, “So just found out an Olympic figure skater used one of my songs without permission for their routine. It aired all over the world… what? Is that usual practice for the Olympics?” This incident highlights the ongoing challenges figure skaters face regarding copyright permissions, which have become increasingly pertinent since the International Skating Union (ISU) updated its regulations in 2014 to allow the use of modern music.
In a statement, Glenn acknowledged the complexity of navigating music rights, saying, “The issue of music rights can be complex and confusing. Seems like there was a hiccup in that whole process. I’m glad we cleared things up with Seb and I look forward to collaborating with him.” She noted that she had performed to “The Return” for the past two years without any prior issues, emphasizing the importance of support for both artists and the skating community.
Despite the resolution, the copyright issue exemplifies a broader concern within figure skating, as several athletes have faced similar challenges during the Winter Games. For instance, skater Andrei Sabate had to secure last-minute permission for music from the animated film “Minions,” while another competitor, Alexey Gumennik, switched to a different piece just days before his event due to a lack of copyright approval for his original selection.
Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion and vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has found herself at the center of controversy beyond the music dispute. Following a pre-Olympic press conference where she addressed the struggles faced by the queer community, Glenn reported receiving threats and backlash. “I was disappointed because I’ve never had so many people wish me harm before, just for being me and speaking about being decent—human rights and decency,” she shared, wearing an LGBTQ+ pin during the medal ceremony.
As Glenn celebrates her team’s recent gold medal victory, she is already preparing for the individual competition set to begin with the short program on February 17, 2026. “For all of us first-time Olympians, you saw our nerves, and just getting them out,” she said, reflecting on her experience. “So I’m really grateful that I was able to have this opportunity ahead of the individual.”
With the resolution of the copyright issue and her commitment to advocacy, Glenn continues to navigate the multifaceted challenges of being an elite athlete in the spotlight, highlighting the intersection of sports, art, and social issues.
