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Ukrainian-American Ice Skater Vadym Kolesnik Claims Bronze at World Championship
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Ukrainian-American figure skater Vadym Kolesnik, alongside his American partner Emilea Zingas, won bronze at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, marking the pair’s first medal at this level.
According to Suspilne Sport on March 29, the championship was the duo’s first major international competition since the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, where they set two personal bests and finished fifth in ice dance.
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Speaking to Suspilne Sport after the competition, Kolesnik dedicated the medal to his family and addressed Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“I want to dedicate this medal to my family, my parents, my mom and dad, who always believed in me and supported me on this journey, who sent me to the United States as a child so I could achieve my dream. I give this medal to them, so, thank you very much. And my message to the whole world: the war must stop. So many people have died, and we need peace. Stay strong, Ukraine,” Kolesnik said.
At the championships, Kolesnik and Zingas finished just 2.32 points behind silver medalists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, while trailing the gold medalists by 21.61 points.
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Who is Vadym Kolesnyk?
Vadym Kolesnik is an American ice dancer of Ukrainian origin who has established himself as a rising figure in international ice dance. Competing alongside his partner Emilea Zingas, he has achieved notable success, including winning the 2026 Four Continents Championships.
The duo are also two-time Grand Prix medalists, five-time Challenger Series medalists, and silver medalists at the 2026 US National Championships. In addition, they secured pewter medals at the US Championships in 2023 and 2025.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Kolesnyk has been vocal in his support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Additionally, his father lost a business in household appliances and lighting, while his brother joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Earlier this year, freestyle skier Kateryna Kotsar made history as the first Ukrainian woman to reach an Olympic big air final.
Kotsar was the first athlete to compete in the final, scoring 82 points on her opening jump and 72 on her second, placing sixth after both rounds. On her third attempt, she made a mistake on landing and fell onto her back, receiving 74 points.
Her final result was calculated based on her first and third jumps, giving her a combined score of 156 points and securing 10th place overall.
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