Olympic Ice Dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik Build Quad Strength
The lead-up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games is generating excitement among athletes and fans alike. Among them are American ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who are set to compete for gold. The duo, together since 2022, showcased their skills by winning the ISU Four Continents Championship earlier this year.
Understanding Ice Dancing and Its Challenges
Ices dancing is one of four disciplines in figure skating. Zingas highlighted its unique focus on artistry and storytelling rather than just athleticism. This discipline emphasizes the connection between partners, the depth of their skating skills, and artistic expression.
For their routines, Zingas and Kolesnik chose to interpret “Romeo and Juliet.” Their performance includes choreographed jumps, lifts, spins, and intricate step sequences that narrate the classic tale.
Building Quad Strength for Ice Dancing
Quads play a crucial role in ice dancing performance. Kolesnik stated, “Good quads are essential for speed and strength on the ice.” Without sufficient leg strength, executing lifts and skating becomes significantly more challenging.
Essential Exercises for Athletes
Both dancers focus on specific exercises to enhance their leg strength:
- Kolesnik: Prioritizes sit-ups for core stability.
- Zingas: Highlights the importance of Nordic exercises for overall strength.
They also discussed their training routines and exercises they find less enjoyable. Running, for instance, is not Zingas’s favorite, whereas Kolesnik enjoys cardio.
Favorite Training Music and Nutrition Choices
When it comes to motivation, Zingas finds inspiration in the classic song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, while Kolesnik prefers tracks from Eminem.
Nutritional Preferences at the Olympic Village
During their time in the Olympic Village, Zingas and Kolesnik noted both the pros and cons of the dining options. Their go-to protein source was mozzarella, which they found to be the most reliable choice.
Staying Warm and Comfortable on Ice
As ice dancers, maintaining warmth on the ice is crucial. Zingas advocates for wearing layers, emphasizing that keeping active helps prevent sweat from freezing—a common issue for skaters. Kolesnik also mentioned that wearing patriotic symbols boosts his morale.
Debates on Training Preferences and Future Aspirations
The duo debated the importance of strength versus cardio, coming to a consensus that a balance of both is optimal. They also expressed preferences towards protein over fiber in their diet.
In a lighter moment, when asked about potential sponsorships, Zingas expressed interest in Alo or Delta Airlines, while Kolesnik humorously eyed Costco as his top choice. The pair exuded enthusiasm and camaraderie, embodying the spirit of Olympic preparation and teamwork.
As the Winter Games approach, fans eagerly await the performances of Zingas and Kolesnik, who aim to bring their artistic vision to life and perhaps capture gold for Team USA.
