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Olympic Skater Finds Solace in Pigeon Racing

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. lympic-skater-finds-solace-in-pigeon-racing.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 16:49 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, JAPAN

Salt Lake City, UT - February 8, 2026 - As the 2026 Winter Olympics loom, figure skating fans are already buzzing about potential medal contenders. Among them is Amber Glenn, a skater known not only for her technical prowess and artistic expression but also for a surprisingly unique hobby: competitive pigeon racing. In a world dominated by rigorous training schedules and intense pressure, Glenn has found solace - and a surprising competitive outlet - in the age-old sport of releasing homing pigeons to race back to their lofts.

Glenn's passion, revealed in recent interviews, has captivated the sporting world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of an elite athlete beyond the glare of the spotlight. While many skaters might unwind with yoga or meditation, Glenn finds herself deeply engaged in the intricate world of avian athletics. "It's really fascinating," she explained. "It's not just letting pigeons go. There's a lot of strategy, a lot of care, a lot of tracking. I love it."

But what exactly is competitive pigeon racing? It's far more than the simple image of birds released into the open sky. Often called "the sport of kings," pigeon racing involves meticulously bred homing pigeons, released from a distance - sometimes hundreds of miles - and tasked with navigating back to their home loft. Participants employ sophisticated electronic tracking systems to monitor their birds' progress, competing based on speed and accuracy. The sport has a long and storied history, dating back centuries, with strong roots in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, though it's increasingly popular across North America.

Glenn highlights that the sport demands a considerable degree of knowledge and dedication. "People think it's just like you release the birds and they fly home," she says, "But there's so much more to it. They have to be well-fed and cared for, receiving specialized diets designed to maximize their stamina and endurance. There are weather patterns to consider - wind speed, direction, cloud cover, and even atmospheric pressure all play a crucial role. There's a lot of science and strategy involved, from understanding avian navigation to optimizing loft design."

Glenn's foray into pigeon racing began a few years ago, initially as a way to explore a new interest. However, it quickly blossomed into a serious hobby. She now maintains a dedicated loft, tending to her flock with the same dedication she applies to her figure skating training. This unexpected avocation offers a vital counterbalance to the high-stakes world of competitive figure skating.

"It's something I can focus on that isn't about scores or rankings," Glenn admits. "In skating, every jump, every spin is scrutinized. There's constant pressure to perform. With the pigeons, it's just about the birds and the sport itself. It's about their innate ability, their training, and the pure joy of watching them fly." This separation allows her to mentally disconnect from the pressures of competition, reducing stress and preventing burnout.

Experts in sports psychology are increasingly recognizing the benefits of engaging in hobbies outside of an athlete's primary discipline. These activities provide a much-needed sense of normalcy, foster creativity, and contribute to overall mental wellbeing. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading sports psychologist, notes, "Having an outlet that's completely unrelated to your main sport can be incredibly beneficial. It allows the athlete to recharge, gain perspective, and return to their training with renewed focus."

As Glenn prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, she believes her unusual hobby will be instrumental in keeping her grounded and balanced. The precision and dedication required in pigeon racing, coupled with the connection she feels to the birds, offer a unique form of mental and emotional fortitude. "It's a great way to disconnect and recharge," she added. "I'm learning so much about patience, observation, and the incredible capabilities of these amazing animals."

Glenn's story serves as a powerful reminder that even elite athletes are multifaceted individuals with passions that extend beyond their chosen sport. It's a testament to the importance of finding balance, embracing unconventional interests, and recognizing that success often lies in the ability to disconnect and recharge - even if that means trading the ice for the open sky and the company of feathered athletes.