Key Highlights
- Team USA’s Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik qualified for the free dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko scored a season-best in their free dance, finishing 11th overall.
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates are gold-medal favorites heading into Wednesday’s free dance skate.
- The U.S. could potentially win multiple medals for the first time at an ice dance event.
The Big Picture: American Ice Dancing on the Rise
Three American pairs are set to compete in the free dance, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history. Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik finished sixth after the rhythm dance, while Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko had a strong performance, finishing 11th with a season-best score.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the top American pair, secured second place in the rhythm dance. Their performance is seen as a gold-medal contender, potentially making this the first time U.S. ice dance pairs could win multiple medals at an Olympics. This is no small feat; it’s been a long journey for American ice dancers to reach such heights.
Behind the Scenes: The Struggle and Triumph
Zingas and Kolesnik, who won the 2026 ISU Four Continents Championships in January, seemed unflustered by their Olympic debut. “This is a big stage, and we are coming in with three Worlds under our belts,” said Kolesnik. “But this event is so different and new.” Despite nerves, they managed to skate to a personal best score of 83.53 points in the rhythm dance.
Carreira and Ponomarenko skated 10th overall with a medley including songs like “Deceit and Betrayal” by Audiomachine. They scored 78.15 points, their best season score yet. Their coach emphasized the importance of experience over pressure: “This is just the beginning for us,” said Ponomarenko.
The Future is Now: Looking Ahead to Free Dance
The free dance programs are packed with intricate elements like choreographic assisted jumps, lifting movements, and synchronized twizzles. Zingas and Kolesnik will skate 15th overall, while Carreira and Ponomarenko will follow closely behind.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates’ rhythm dance performance was strong, securing second place. “Can more than one American ice dance pair medal?” asks the article. The answer could be yes, making this a historic moment for U.S. figure skating.
The Larger Context: A Growing American Presence
While only three pairs qualified for the free dance, it’s worth noting that in past Winter Olympics, Team USA has had more success with three pairs finishing in the top 10 at both Pyeongchang and Beijing. This year, however, could see a breakthrough, as American skaters have been consistently improving their technique and artistry.
The future looks bright for U.S. ice dance, with this Olympics potentially marking a new era of success. As Zingas and Kolesnik prepare to take the stage, they bring with them a mix of nerves and excitement—just like any other Olympic debutant. But their performance could change the narrative for American ice dancing forever.