After teaming up in March 2022, ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik quickly showed their potential, earning bronze at their first international event, 2022 Golden Spin of Zagreb, and the pewter medal at the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Now in the midst of their first season competing in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, we caught up with the new team before they compete this weekend at 2023 Grand Prix Espoo.
Why did you choose ice dance? What do you love about it?
Emilea: I chose ice dance because it allows me to express my emotions through movement. When I was a singles skater, my favorite thing about being on the ice was performing; now, in ice dancing, I can do this tenfold. I believe what we do on this ice is unique because we work together to complete precise, interesting, difficult elements. After training with Vadym for the last year, I feel ice dance is where I am meant to be, and I am so excited to continue to improve my skills.Â
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Vadym: Originally, I was a single skater like Emilea. However, when I was around 12 years old, I decided it was time to get into a serious sport, and ice dance was right there, thanks to my parents.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Emilea: I am most looking forward to competing in higher-level competitions like the Grand Prix and hopefully improving our placement within U.S. ice dance. Our goal this season is to make it on to compete at Four Continents and the World Championships, and with the work we are doing, this goal is attainable.
Vadym: Probably, I would say Nationals because it's a huge opportunity for us to establish ourselves as new potential leaders for the next couple of years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Emilea: When I am not skating, studying or working, I love to do art projects, read, take walks with my dog or visit my family. I also love to explore the city and go to coffee shops, museums, markets and shows. Vadym bought me a sewing machine for Christmas last year because I was helping to sew and stone our costumes, so since then, I have tried to make some of my training clothes, tote bags and scarves.
Vadym: When I don't work or train, I like to go on long walks or intense runs. I just don't feel right when I am not moving.
What is your favorite place you've traveled to and why?
Emilea: My favorite place I have traveled to for vacation is Costa Rica. I went with my two older sisters and my mom for 10 days, and we explored the rainforest there. We went hiking, ziplining, swimming and whitewater rafting. Aside from this, I also love to go back to Cyprus and stay at my family's home. It is very special when I get to see my cousins, aunts and uncles who still live there.
Vadym: Throughout my career, I have had a chance to visit quite a few places, and I especially liked Tallinn, Estonia and Torino, Italy. However, Ukraine will always be number one for me since it's my childhood home.
If you could go to the Olympics in any sport other than figure skating, what would it be and why?
Emilea: If I could go to the Olympics for any other sport, it would be gymnastics. I had some gymnastics training when I was younger and worked as a gymnastics coach over the summers. The power, strength and courage that gymnasts have is extraordinary, and it would be amazing to share some of those qualities. I also would love to meet Aly Raisman and Simone Biles; they are so cool!
Vadym: I do love to swim. I bet I would have been a good swimmer if I hadn't chosen skating.
What is your favorite color?
Emilea: Although my wardrobe is 99% black, my favorite color is pink! My childhood room was bright pink, and my favorite flowers are still pink peonies.
Vadym: Blue, but I also like green.
What is your favorite food?
Emilea: My favorite food is lamb. For every special occasion, my dad roasts lamb on the spit for the family, and I have always loved it! I also have a big sweet tooth, and pistachio gelato is my favorite dessert.
Vadym: My mom's cooking. She makes exceptional food.
Follow Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik at Grand Prix Espoo this weekend by visiting the
Grand Prix Series Competition Central.
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