Episode 14: Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik

In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, elite ice dancers training out of Novi Ice Arena and the Athlete Lab as they pursue their Olympic dreams. They are competing at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, January 4-11, 2026.   From becoming partners to navigating the daily demands of high-performance sport, Emilea and Vadym share an inside look at what it takes to develop chemistry, trust, and resilience at the highest level of ice dance. Their journey highlights the importance of both physical preparation and mental well-being in long-term athlete development.   Together, they dive into: • How they became partners and built trust on and off the ice • The role of nutrition, sleep, and education in sustaining elite performance • Why working with a sports psychologist has been a critical part of their growth • Lessons learned through competition, setbacks, and international experience • What the Road to the Olympics really looks like behind the scenes   Emilea and Vadym’s story is a powerful reminder that elite performance is built through intentional habits, honest communication, and a strong support system. Whether you’re an athlete chasing the next level, a coach guiding development, or a parent supporting the journey, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to pursue excellence together.   Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts.   If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who’s chasing a big dream.   Learn more: • The Athlete Lab: ⁠https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/⁠ • Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships: ⁠https://usfigureskating.org/sports/20...   Follow us: • Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit • Guest Instagram: @emileazingas @vadym___kolesnik • Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast   #AthleteDevelopment #IceDance #RoadToTheOlympics #EmileaZingas #VadymKolesnik #AthleteLab #PerformanceMindset #OlympicDreams #FigureSkating