What's Happening?
Musician Seb McKinnon has raised concerns after discovering that Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn used his song 'The Return' during her routine at the 2026 Winter Olympics without his permission. McKinnon, who produces music under the name CLANN, expressed his surprise on social media, questioning whether this is a common practice at the Olympics. Glenn, who skated to McKinnon's song during the figure skating team event in Milan, Italy, eventually won gold as part of Team USA. The Associated Press reports that Glenn has been using 'The Return' in her routines for over two years without issue. The process of obtaining permission for music use in figure skating is complex, involving multiple parties and rights ownership issues. A representative
for Team USA and Glenn did not respond to requests for comment.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding music licensing in sports, particularly in high-profile events like the Olympics. The use of music without proper licensing can lead to legal disputes and financial penalties, affecting both athletes and artists. For musicians, unauthorized use of their work can result in loss of control over their creations and potential revenue. For athletes, it can disrupt their performances and lead to last-minute changes in their routines. This case underscores the need for clearer guidelines and more efficient processes for securing music rights in sports, ensuring that both artists and athletes are protected.
What's Next?
The situation may prompt discussions within the sports and music industries about improving the music licensing process for athletes. Stakeholders, including sports organizations, music labels, and legal experts, might collaborate to develop streamlined procedures that ensure compliance with copyright laws while accommodating the needs of athletes. Additionally, this case could lead to increased awareness among athletes about the importance of securing proper permissions for music use, potentially influencing future practices in figure skating and other sports.
