Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik: The Dynamic Duo Ready to Skate for Olympic Gold
As the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics approach, the world of figure skating is buzzing with anticipation. Among the standout athletes are U.S. ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, a pair whose synchronized grace and athletic prowess have already captured global attention. At just 23 and 24 years old, respectively, this dynamic duo has been partnering since 2022 and recently clinched the ISU Four Continents Championship title. In an exclusive ride-along interview with Men's Health's Muscle Car series, hosted by fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, Zingas and Kolesnik opened up about their sport, rigorous training, and personal quirks that keep them sharp on the ice.
Understanding Ice Dancing: Artistry Meets Athleticism
For newcomers to the sport, ice dancing might seem like a glamorous subset of figure skating, but it's a discipline all its own. Unlike pairs skating, which emphasizes high-flying jumps and throws, ice dancing prioritizes connection, storytelling, and technical finesse. Zingas broke it down during the interview: "Figure skating has four disciplines, and ice dancing is one of them. We skate together as a pair, focusing on the artistry, depth of edge, skating skills, and telling a story."
Their current free dance program is inspired by the timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, weaving narrative through elements like choreographed assisted jumps, lifts, spins, and intricate step sequences. This emphasis on emotional depth sets ice dancing apart, requiring not just physical sync but an almost telepathic bond between partners. As Kolesnik noted, the sport demands speed, power, and endurance—qualities that shine in their performances and have positioned them as serious contenders for gold in Italy next year.
Training Regimen: Building Strength for the Ice
Key Muscles and Gym Essentials
When it comes to the physical demands of ice dancing, leg strength is non-negotiable. Kolesnik highlighted the quads as the most critical muscle group: "Without that leg strength, you can't pick up the girl, you can't skate, you can't do anything. It's all about speed, and legs are the most important part." To build this power, the pair incorporates targeted gym sessions. Kolesnik swears by sit-ups for core stability, while Zingas champions Nordic curls—a challenging hamstring exercise that enhances control during lifts and edges.
Core work is another cornerstone, as it underpins every twist, turn, and hold on the ice. "We do a lot of core work," Zingas explained, emphasizing how it maintains balance during high-speed routines. Off-ice training also includes sprints for cardio, though opinions differ: Zingas admits to hating running due to the post-sprint pain, while Kolesnik thrives on it. This balanced approach—mixing strength and cardio—ensures they're prepared for the Olympics' grueling schedule.
Exercises to Avoid and Motivation Boosters
Not every workout is a favorite. Zingas confessed that running tops her hate list, especially the sprints that mimic on-ice bursts. Despite the discomfort, it's essential for building the explosive power needed in competitions. To get hyped, their pre-performance playlists vary wildly: Zingas turns to Frank Sinatra's "My Way" for a surge of determination—"I was like, 'This is my way. I'm doing it,'" she shared—while Kolesnik blasts Eminem for that raw energy edge.
Beyond the gym, recovery and mental prep play huge roles. The duo splits on strength versus cardio (Kolesnik leans strength, Zingas cardio, settling on a 50/50 mix) but unites on nutrition, prioritizing protein. In the Olympic Village, they've found mozzarella to be a reliable, hit-or-miss food option's standout protein source.
Staying Warm and Stylish on the Ice
Winter sports mean battling the cold, and Zingas and Kolesnik have their strategies down pat. Zingas layers up religiously—"You cannot catch me on the ice in a tank top"—opting for long sleeves to trap heat. Movement is key: "If you let your sweat freeze, it's game over." Kolesnik adds a patriotic touch, wearing the American flag over his heart for motivation.
In a lighter debate, they side with gloves over mittens for skating's precise grips, though Zingas jokes she'd dominate in non-sport Olympics like online shopping. Her New Year's resolution to buy just one item per month? Already a bust, much to Kolesnik's amusement.
Dream Matchups and Olympic Aspirations
If they could face any historical pair, Zingas picks legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the 1984 gold medalists whose artistry remains unmatched. "They would kick our butts," she laughed, acknowledging the icons' influence. As they gear up for Milano-Cortina, the pair's focus is laser-sharp: blending technical mastery with emotional storytelling to chase that elusive Olympic gold.
Their Men's Health chat reveals more than just athletic insights—it's a glimpse into the human side of elite sports. From quad-dominant workouts to Sinatra-fueled mindsets, Zingas and Kolesnik embody the blend of discipline and fun that defines top-tier ice dancing. As the 2026 Games loom, all eyes will be on this rising U.S. team, ready to etch their story into Olympic history.
Follow their journey on social media and tune into competitions for live updates. Who knows? Their Romeo and Juliet might just become the romance of the Games.
