23
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
Emilea Zingas transitioned from a singles skater competing for Cyprus to becoming an Olympic ice dancer for the United States in less than four years. Competing with partner Vadym Kolesnik since March 2022, Zingas has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and fearlessness in mastering an entirely new discipline, emerging as one of the most exciting rising teams in international ice dance.
Zingas began skating at age 5 in Learn to Skate classes, initially trying hockey before switching to figure skating. As a singles skater, she earned the silver medal in novice at the 2018 U.S. Championships in San Jose, California. Holding dual U.S. and Cypriot citizenship through her paternal grandparents, Zingas represented Cyprus in women's singles from 2020 to 2022, becoming the first Cypriot skater to qualify for the world championships.
Her path to ice dance began unexpectedly at the 2021 Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany, the final qualifying event for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. After finishing ninth and missing an Olympic berth for Cyprus, legendary coach Igor Shpilband approached her about trying out with 2020 world junior ice dance champion Vadym Kolesnik. Although she had never taken a pattern dance or considered ice dance, Zingas agreed to meet Kolesnik at Novi Ice Arena. Their connection was immediate, with Kolesnik later recalling that he felt something special from their very first skate together. The duo officially announced their partnership in 2022.
Zingas and Kolesnik made their international debut at the 2022 Golden Spin of Zagreb, earning bronze, and won gold at the U.S. Ice Dance Final to qualify for the 2023 U.S. Championships. In their first national championships appearance as a team, they placed fourth, a remarkable achievement for a partnership competing in its first season.
The 2025-26 season marked a turning point in their career, capturing their first Grand Prix medal with silver at the 2025 Cup of China and breaking the 200-point barrier internationally for the first time with a score of 202.27. At the 2026 U.S. Championships in St. Louis, they earned silver medals with a personal best score of 213.65, finishing behind seven-time national champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates and securing their spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Working with sports psychologist Chris Palmer has helped Zingas reframe her approach to competition, shifting from result-focused pressure to embracing the daily joy of skating. Despite facing challenges including health issues, the team has demonstrated resilience and maturity, with Zingas crediting their partnership's strength to mutual support and trust.
Zingas has an interest in neuroscience and sports psychology. Her commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond the rink through her volunteer work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and her role as a Voice in Sport Athlete Activist. The youngest of four siblings, Zingas grew up playing multiple sports including soccer, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, swimming and sailing before dedicating herself to figure skating.
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