US Ice Dancer Turns to Public Support for Olympic Journey
Vadym Kolesnik faces a difficult path to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 24-year-old Team USA ice dancer recently launched a GoFundMe page. He revealed serious money problems while preparing for the Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
Olympic Qualification Brings Financial Pressure
Kolesnik and his partner, Emilea Zingas, qualified for the Olympics earlier this month. U.S. Figure Skating officially named them to the Olympic team on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The announcement brought excitement but also new challenges.
Just days after the selection, Kolesnik went public with his struggles. He explained that Olympic-level training requires constant financial investment. Travel, coaching, ice time, and competition costs accumulate quickly. The skater turned to fans for support as he prepares for the biggest event of his career.
$25,000 Fundraising Goal for Training Expenses
Kolesnik launched his GoFundMe campaign this week with a target of $25,000. In his message, he was honest and direct about the situation. "As I prepare for the Olympics, I am facing significant financial challenges," he wrote.
He detailed how elite skating demands heavy spending on multiple fronts:
- Professional coaching fees
- Regular rink time for practice
- Choreography development
- Extensive travel requirements
- Competition entry fees
The timing adds urgency to his fundraising efforts. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in February in Italy. These coming months represent the most intense phase of training. Skaters often travel across the United States and internationally to work with coaches and compete in qualifying events.
Personal Hopes for Family Reunion
Kolesnik shared something deeply personal alongside his financial appeal. Born in Ukraine, he still has family living there. "My greatest personal hope is to be able to bring my family from Ukraine to safely attend the Olympic Games," he wrote.
He dreams of seeing them in the stands for the first time in years. "Skating has been my lifelong dream," Kolesnik added. He explained how growing up in Ukraine shaped him both as a skater and as a person.
With his homeland facing ongoing hardship, being separated from family during this important time has been particularly painful. "Every contribution, no matter the size, helps," he wrote. Kolesnik thanked supporters for allowing him to focus on training while honoring both his birth country and the nation he now represents.
Road to Olympic Selection
Kolesnik and Zingas earned their Olympic place earlier this month after winning silver at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. This national event brought together America's top skaters. Their standout performance secured them a spot on Team USA.
U.S. Figure Skating announced the complete ice dance team on January 11. Kolesnik and 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.," Kolesnik said in a statement released by U.S. Figure Skating. He revealed that he moved to the United States at age 15 with one clear goal: to skate at the Olympics. "It's an honor for me," he emphasized.
The organization also shared an Instagram video showing the moment the pair learned they made the team. The clip captured emotional reactions including hugs, tears, and shock as their Olympic dream became reality.
Kolesnik now balances intense physical preparation with financial worries. His public appeal highlights the often-overlooked costs of pursuing Olympic glory. As training intensifies toward the February 2026 Games, he hopes public support will ease the burden and let him focus fully on performance.
