ISU Four Continents Championships 2026: Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik win ice dance competition in emphatic style
Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik set a new personal best to spearhead a Team USA podium sweep in the ice dance competition at the ISU Four Continents Championships 2026 in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, on Friday (23 January). The American duo showcased exceptional skill and choreography to walk away with the title.
The U.S. figure skaters exhibited dominant performances in both the rhythm and free dance portions of the competition, ending with a remarkable combined winning score of 202.86 points. This outstanding achievement marks significant progress for the couple in their career and builds momentum as they navigate their journey towards the Winter Olympics.
Zingas and Kolesnik set the tone during the rhythm dance section on Thursday, nearly hitting their personal best with an impressive score of 79.97 points. Their confidence was evident as they took the lead, edging out fellow Americans Caroline Green and Michael Parsons, who secured second place, while former champions Oona Brown and Gage Brown followed closely behind in third.
Taking to the ice on Friday for the free dance segment, Zingas and Kolesnik raised the stakes, delivering a near-flawless routine that catapulted them to a new personal record of 122.89. This victory is not just a win; it represents a major milestone for the pair as they gear up for their debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Finishing the free dance in third, Green and Parsons ultimately secured second place overall with a total score of 194.72. The Brown siblings completed the U.S. podium sweep, thrilled with their performances that garnered personal best scores for a combined total of 190.78.
In expressing her pride, Zingas stated, “I am really proud of our entire U.S. team today, we are so happy to be in Beijing. This win definitely gives us confidence as we prepare for the Olympics.”
With the national Olympic selections looming, the early successes in this championship serve as a proving ground for Zingas and Kolesnik, as they aim to represent the U.S. in Milano Cortina 2026. The excitement is building, and the challenge is only just beginning.
