The Novi Ice Arena buzzed with excitement as the community gathered to honor local ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik before their departure to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Fans filled the arena, eager to celebrate the duo's remarkable journey from Metro Detroit to the global stage.

One supporter, reflecting on their rise, remarked, "I knew you'd end up here."

Zingas, a native of Grosse Pointe Farms, expressed her gratitude: "I'm very grateful and appreciative of everyone who's helped us on this journey. It's really been a collaborative effort."

Kolesnik, originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, shared his excitement: "This is the moment of their life. They always dreamed of me becoming a champion and going to the Olympics one day."

The pair's dedication has led them to significant achievements, including a silver medal at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and a gold at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Beijing.

Their coach praised their hard work: "They work so hard and prove that it's possible. They're probably going to be the youngest on the team, and it's unbelievable."

As they prepare to compete on the Olympic stage, Zingas and Kolesnik remain focused and determined.

Zingas stated, "At the end of the day, we're both really competitive people, and it's a competition, so we're ready to fight to skate our best."

The community's support serves as a powerful reminder of their roots as they embark on this exciting chapter.

The Olympic journey begins on February 6, and Metro Detroit will be cheering them on every step of the way.