The 2025/26 figure skating season is heating up as Maia and Alex Shibutani, the iconic U.S. ice dance siblings, announce their return to competitive ice dance following a remarkable seven-year hiatus. The duo, who both took home bronze medals at the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018, are setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic season, reigniting excitement among their dedicated fan base and the skating world.
The Shibutanis, lauded for breaking barriers as the first athletes of Asian descent to capture an Olympic medal in ice dance, plan to return under the guidance of their veteran coaches Marina Zueva and Massimo Scali. This collaboration dates back to 2007, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to teamwork and showcasing their enduring passion for the sport.
Now both 30 and 34 years old, Maia and Alex are prestigious figures in the sport, having clinched two national titles alongside three World Championship medals in their remarkable skating career throughout their first stint. They made headlines in 2018, but after the Olympics, Maia faced a personal health challenge when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, halting their competitive aspirations.
Reflecting on their struggles and exhilarating journey, Maia shared with a U.S. Figure Skating press release, “These past seven years have challenged and inspired us in ways we never expected. I’m so happy to be healthy and in a position to make the decision to return to the sport I love.” Alex added, “We don’t take any of this for granted. We’re really enjoying the process and look forward to performing and competing together again.”
Beyond the rink, the Shibutanis have made strides as children’s authors, advocates for diversity in sports, and engaging content creators, exemplifying their versatility and love for figure skating. The excitement builds as the Olympic dream reignites for the dynamic duo in the competitive ice dance arena!
