Amber Glenn Consulted Fellow Olympian Ilona Maher Before Joining 'Dancing With the Stars'

Amber Glenn is trading ice skates for sequined ballroom shoes on Season 35 of *Dancing With the Stars*, but she did not dive into the high-stakes reality competition without doing her homework first. The 26-year-old figure skating champion made sure to consult a fellow athlete who already navigated the show's intense pressure cooker. Before locking in her spot on the ballroom floor, Glenn reached out to rugby star Ilona Maher. Speaking to reports, the Olympian shared that her connection with Maher proved crucial in convincing her to take on the dance challenge.

Who did Amber Glenn talk to before DWTS?

Glenn praised Maher for giving her an honest, enthusiastic breakdown of what to expect from the franchise. Maher competed during Season 33, ultimately securing the runner-up position, and is currently locked into training for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. According to Glenn, Maher was hilarious and had nothing but positive feedback about her time on the show. Hearing those encouraging words firsthand helped shift Glenn's mindset and made her even more thrilled to step into the spotlight. Now officially part of the Season 35 roster, Glenn is set to hit the dance floor alongside her professional partner, Pasha Pashkov. The pair will compete against a fresh cast of celebrities for the ultimate prize: the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. As the 40-year-old dance pro guides her through daily rehearsals, Glenn revealed that Pashkov has been instrumental in keeping her grounded and managing her pre-show anxiety.

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How does Dancing With the Stars compare to the Olympics?

Stepping onto live network television might seem simple for someone who competes on international ice, but Glenn admitted that the two experiences carry entirely different kinds of tension. Comparing her athletic career to the reality series, the figure skater pointed out the unique pacing of each world. Preparing for the Olympics required 20 years of relentless training for just three moments on the ice. On *Dancing With the Stars*, however, she has to deliver a brand-new live routine every single week. Despite feeling extremely nervous about that rapid-fire weekly pressure, Glenn is embracing the challenge with Pashkov by her side to balance out the emotional roller coaster.