(Nexstar) - Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, renowned US ice dancers, are gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics after years of successful competitions. The pair, who began skating together at the age of 13, have consistently performed at a high level, securing silver at the 2024 US Championships and bronze in 2022. They have also maintained top 10 finishes at the World Championships, showcasing their dedication and skill on the ice. "We have one goal in mind, and we come in determined and ready for it," said Carreira, highlighting their focused approach as they prepare for the Olympics. Carreira and Ponomarenko's partnership began when they both moved to Michigan to train with previous partners. After those partnerships ended, they teamed up and have since developed a strong bond, relying on each other as they grew up together. "We really grew up together, and we didn't have our parents around or anything, so we kind of had to rely on each other," Carreira explained, emphasizing the strength of their relationship. Ponomarenko underwent ankle surgery following an injury sustained at the age of 13, which required a difficult decision to focus on long-term health and performance. "It was a very difficult decision to get a surgery, but we knew for years that it needed to happen," he said. The duo is currently working on new elements and lifts as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including Grand Prix events in Canada and the US, with the goal of making the Olympic team. Their training includes a mix of fast-paced and slower routines, with Carreira expressing a preference for faster music in short programs and slower music in free dances to allow for more expression and breathing room. As they continue their journey toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, Carreira and Ponomarenko remain dedicated to their craft, with a focus on teamwork and perseverance. Their story is one of resilience and commitment, inspiring younger skaters to pursue their dreams with dedication and respect for the sport. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published