The talented athletes set to compete in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games are gearing up for an exciting journey towards Olympic glory. Before they hit the ice, they took a moment to share their passion for ice dancing while cruising in the impressive MH Muscle Car.
ICE DANCING PARTNERS Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik recently joined fitness director Ebenezer Samuel for a fun ride. The duo, who has been skating together since 2022, celebrated their victory at the ISU Four Continents Championship this year. During their trip, Zingas provided insights into their sport for newcomers:
"Figure skating encompasses four disciplines, and Ice Dancing is one of them," she explained. "We perform as a pair, focusing on artistry and storytelling rather than jumps and high-energy elements typical of Pair Skating. Our free dance is themed around Romeo and Juliet, allowing us to express this narrative through choreographed jumps, lifts, spins, and intricate steps."
Stay tuned for more engaging discussions about Ice Dancing, their training routines, and personal favorites from the Olympic Village, including their views on gloves versus mittens, and how they keep warm while performing on the ice.
MEN'S HEALTH: What muscle is the most critical for you both?
VADYM KOLESNIK: On the ice, strong quads are essential. Without leg strength, it's impossible to perform effectively. Speed and leg power are crucial.
MH: What's the key exercise for your legs?
VK: Sit-ups are a must.
EMILEA ZINGAS: I believe core strength is vital in skating. We focus heavily on core workouts, but I would also emphasize Nordics.
MH: What's the exercise you dislike the most?
EZ: Running isn't my favorite, and we do a lot of sprints.
VK: I actually enjoy running!
MH: What song energizes you before a performance?
EZ: Oddly enough, I listened to "My Way" by Frank Sinatra before our free dance, and it really motivated me.
VK: Eminem gets me hyped.
MH: If you could compete against any athlete, who would it be?
EZ: I would choose Torvill and Dean; they were exceptional.
MH: How do you stay warm during competitions?
EZ: I layer up on the ice and keep moving. If you let your sweat freeze, you're in trouble.
VK: I usually wear a flag on my left side, which gives me a boost of motivation.
MH: Strength or cardio?
VK: Strength is key.
EZ: I prefer cardio.
MH: Fiber or protein?
EZ & VK: Protein is our go-to.
MH: What's the best protein source in the Olympic Village?
EZ: Mozzarella has been my favorite, even if the food quality varies.
MH: If you could win gold in a non-sport activity, what would it be?
EZ: I'm not sure!
VK: Shopping would be my pick.
EZ: Online shopping for sure; I'd excel at that!
MH: What's your Italian coffee order?
EZ: I love cappuccino or a quad shot latte when I'm home.
VK: Just a good espresso works for me.
MH: Any sponsorship dreams aside from Maserati?
EZ: Delta would be a dream sponsor.
VK: I'd love a sponsorship from both Delta and Costco.
MH: Do you train your upper body?
EZ: Yes, we do. I focus less on it than Vadym, but we incorporate various exercises.
VK: Pull-ups are particularly effective.
EZ: Being strong is crucial when skating with a partner.
MH: It sounds like you both had a great time. Best of luck in your training!
EZ: Absolutely! Go Team USA!