Emilea Zingas is a standout Cypriot-American ice dancer making waves in the figure skating world. Paired with Vadym Kolesnik, she's captured major titles and hearts with her rapid rise from singles skater to elite competitor.

Quick Facts

Born April 22, 2002, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, the 23-year-old holds dual U.S. and Cypriot citizenship through her grandparents.

  • Family : Youngest of four; sister Elana is a Cornell ice hockey player; parents are an orthopedic surgeon and dermatopathologist.
  • Languages : Speaks four.
  • Hobbies : Volunteering with National Alliance on Mental Illness, reading, sewing, dog walks, family time.
  • Future Plans : Pursue sports psychology to aid young athletes mentally.

She started skating at age 5 in Learn to Skate classes, trying hockey before figure skating. As a singles skater for Cyprus, she grabbed U.S. novice silver in 2018 and became the first Cypriot at Worlds after Nebelhorn Trophy 2021.

Transition to Ice Dance

Picture this: After missing Olympic qualification for Beijing 2022, coach Igor Shpilband pitched partnering with 2020 World Junior champ Vadym Kolesnik—someone she'd never danced with. They clicked instantly; Vadym later shared, "The first time I skated with Emilea I felt something special... freedom." Official team-up announced May 15, 2022, repping the U.S.

From zero ice dance experience, Emilea adapted fearlessly, training under top coaches. Early chats with her sister Elana highlight sibling rivalry fueling her grit—like overcoming "poppin' jumps" via mental keywords for confidence amid brutal repetition.

Major Achievements

Her partnership exploded:

  • 2026 Four Continents Champions – Gold in their breakout senior international win.
  • 2026 U.S. Nationals Silver – Nabbing runner-up spot.
  • Two-time Grand Prix medalist; five-time Challenger Series medalist.
  • U.S. pewter in 2023, 2025 Nationals.

Season| Key Event| Result| Notes
---|---|---|---
2025-26| Four Continents| 1st| First senior international title 1
2025-26| U.S. Nationals| 2nd| Silver behind top pairs 17
2023-25| U.S. Nationals| Pewter| Building momentum 1
2021-22| Singles (Cyprus)| Worlds Qualifier| Historic for nation 3

Latest Buzz (as of Feb 2026)

Fresh off 2026 triumphs, forums like FS Gossips buzz with her "exciting rising team" status. Trending talks praise her adaptability— from Cypriot singles trailblazer to U.S. dance contender—amid Olympic cycles. Speculation swirls on 2026 Worlds podium potential, with fans noting her mental edge from family sports psych insights. No major drama; focus stays on her inspiring pivot story.

TL;DR : Emilea Zingas, 23, skyrocketed from Cypriot singles to 2026 Four Continents/U.S. silver champ with Vadym Kolesnik. Her fearless discipline switch captivates skating circles.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.