A bustling scene unfolded at the Novi Ice Arena on January 26, as a long line of eager children waited for autographs from two remarkable athletes, Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik. The duo will represent the United States in ice dance at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano and Cortina, Italy, an achievement that has sparked excitement and inspiration among their young fans.
Zingas, 23, from Grosse Pointe Farms, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “I’m so excited — I can’t even really put into words or describe the emotions that I’m feeling,” she shared, her eyes shining with joy. Kolesnik, at 24, echoed their youthful spirit, joking, “I think I’m still a kid.”
Their journey to becoming Olympians is both extraordinary and heart-wrenching, marked by a combination of talent, perseverance, and significant challenges. Zingas and Kolesnik’s partnership began when renowned ice dance coach Igor Shpilband sought a new teammate for Kolesnik after his previous partnership ended. Spotting Zingas during a singles practice in Germany, Shpilband recognized her potential and encouraged her to venture into ice dance, despite her hesitance. Initially a singles competitor aiming for the 2022 Olympics representing Cyprus, Zingas faced disappointment when she didn’t qualify. However, after working with Shpilband, she decided to team up with Kolesnik, igniting a winning partnership.
Their first competitive season together faced turmoil when Kolesnik, born in Ukraine, had to reckon with the impacts of the war that erupted in his homeland just before a planned visit. His family endured harrowing experiences, including destruction and loss, while Zingas provided emotional support during this challenging time.
In addition to external strife, both athletes confronted physical challenges. Zingas dealt with ovarian issues and underwent surgery for a tumor in 2023, while Kolesnik’s sports hernia required surgical repair. Despite these hurdles, both emerged stronger and healthier, which has been crucial for their performance.
A notable moment came when Kolesnik needed to obtain U.S. citizenship to compete for Team USA. On the day of his civics test, nerves nearly overwhelmed him, but with Zingas’s support, he faced the challenge head-on and successfully became a citizen—a pivotal step towards their Olympic dreams.
The pair’s competitive performances have culminated in notable successes, including a second-place finish at the U.S. Championships in St. Louis, which solidified their Olympic berth. “We worked so hard this season,” Kolesnik said, reflecting on their journey. “We couldn’t afford any mistakes. We were the underdogs the whole season. So for us, it was all or nothing, and we made it possible.”
Their coach, Shpilband, praises their dedication, stating, “They are both extremely driven and extremely talented. This is a recipe for success for a long time.” Their Olympic journey represents not just the culmination of years of hard work, but also a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, both skaters express ambitious dreams. Kolesnik dreams not just of attending the Olympics but of winning gold, while Zingas confidently affirms their collective aspiration. Their story is one of hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their sport, inspiring a new generation of skaters along the way.