Key Takeaways
- Vadym Kolesnik, a 24-year-old Team USA ice dancer, has launched a GoFundMe page to raise $25,000 for Olympic training due to financial struggles.
- Kolesnik and his partner, Emilea Zingas, qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, after winning silver at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
- The Olympic-level training is expensive, with costs including coaching, rink time, choreography, travel, and competition fees.
- Kolesnik hopes to bring his family from Ukraine to safely attend the Olympic Games, and is relying on fan support to make this possible.
Introduction to Vadym Kolesnik’s Journey
Vadym Kolesnik is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the journey is not feeling easy right now. The 24-year-old Team USA ice dancer has launched a GoFundMe page after sharing that he is facing serious money problems while preparing for the Games. Kolesnik and his partner, Emilea Zingas, recently qualified for the Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The announcement came earlier this month, bringing excitement and also new pressure. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, U.S. Figure Skating officially named Vadym Kolesnik and Emilea Zingas to the Olympic team. Just days later, Vadym Kolesnik went public with his struggles.
The Financial Struggles of Olympic Training
Vadym Kolesnik launched his GoFundMe this week with a goal of raising $25,000. In his message, he was honest and direct. “As I prepare for the Olympics, I am facing significant financial challenges,” he wrote. He shared that elite skating demands heavy spending on coaching, rink time, choreography, travel, and competition fees. The timing matters, as the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. These next months are the most intense part of training, with skaters often traveling across the United States and abroad to work with coaches and compete. For Vadym Kolesnik, that pressure is not only physical, but also financial.
Personal Challenges and Dreams
Vadym Kolesnik also spoke about something deeply personal. He was born in Ukraine, and his family still lives there. “My greatest personal hope is to be able to bring my family from Ukraine to safely attend the Olympic Games,” he wrote. He said he dreams of seeing them in the stands for the first time in years. “Skating has been my lifelong dream,” Vadym Kolesnik added. He explained that growing up in Ukraine shaped him, both as a skater and as a person. With his homeland facing ongoing hardship, being far from family during such an important time has been painful. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps,” he wrote, thanking supporters for allowing him to focus on training and honoring both the country that raised him and the country he now represents.
Qualifying for the Olympics
Vadym Kolesnik and Emilea Zingas earned their Olympic place earlier this month after winning silver at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The national event, held in the United States, brought together the country’s top skaters. Their performance stood out and secured them a spot on Team USA. U.S. Figure Skating announced the full ice dance team on Sunday, January 11. Vadym Kolesnik and Emilea Zingas joined Madison Chock and Evan Bates, along with Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko. “For me, it’s a dream of my life to represent the U.S.,” Vadym Kolesnik said in a statement released by U.S. Figure Skating.
Reaction to Making the Olympic Team
U.S. Figure Skating also shared an Instagram video showing the moment the pair learned they made the team. The clip captured hugs, tears, and shock as their Olympic dream became real. Vadym Kolesnik shared that he moved to the United States at age 15 with one goal in mind: to skate at the Olympics. “It’s an honor for me,” he said. The support from fans and the skating community will be crucial in helping Vadym Kolesnik and Emilea Zingas prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics. With their determination and passion for skating, they are sure to make a lasting impression at the Games.