American Ice Dance Bronze at 2026 Worlds Features Ukrainian-Born Skater

American Duo Secures Podium Finish at 2026 World Championships

According to Главком: At the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, the American ice dance team of Emily Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik captured the bronze medal. This marked a significant achievement for the young pair, as it was their debut appearance at a World Championship event. Their podium finish makes them the first team since 2011 to medal in their inaugural year, extending an 11-year streak of U.S. medals in ice dance at this level. The ice dance discipline is known for its intricate choreography and athleticism, blending technical skill with artistic expression.

Vadym Kolesnik, a 24-year-old native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, has represented the United States since 2017. After the rhythm dance segment, the Zingas/Kolesnik duo sat in fourth place, but they improved their standing with a strong performance in the free dance. Their total score of 209.20 points allowed them to edge out the British pair of Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson by a narrow margin of 0.22 points. The British team's final score was impacted by a two-point deduction for an illegal element.

World Champions and Competition Outcomes

The world title was claimed by the French team of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who completed a golden season sweep with victories at the European Championships, the Olympic Games, and the World Championships. The silver medal went to the Canadian duo of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. Notably, three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States did not compete in this tournament.

The Ukrainian team of Mariia Pinchuk and Mykyta Pogorielov also participated, placing 27th in the rhythm dance and failing to qualify for the final segment of the competition.

Vadym Kolesnik commented on the achievement: 'This success is a miracle on ice.'

Emily Zingas expressed her gratitude, stating: 'I'm grateful to be in the company of such strong skaters, and I'm thankful to my family and all the fans for their support.'

The success of Zingas and Kolesnik highlights a new phase in American figure skating, where emerging talents are proving capable of competing on the global stage. This debut performance underscores the United States' continued status as a leading nation in the sport, maintaining its tradition of winning medals. Meanwhile, the participation of the Ukrainian duo points to the ongoing need for support and development for young athletes in Ukraine to help them achieve success in international competitions.

While the American duo celebrated their impressive bronze medal achievement, the competition also featured the Ukrainian ice dancers, who faced challenges in their performance. Despite their efforts, they did not advance to the final segment, but they showcased their spirit by displaying a flag signed by soldiers. To learn more about their journey and the support they received, read about the Ukrainian ice dancers' experience.