Maia and Alex Shibutani, known as the “Shib Sibs,” made a triumphant yet poignant return to competitive ice dance at the NHK Trophy in Osaka on November 7, 2025. After a seven-year hiatus following their successful run that included winning bronze medals at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, the siblings showcased their rhythm dance, finishing in sixth place with a score of 71.74, approximately eight points shy of their personal best.
Leading the event were world bronze medalists Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson of Great Britain, who achieved a substantial score of 81.57, closely followed by Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri (76.36) and the Shibutanis’ teammates Caroline Green and Michael Parsons (75.14).
Reflecting on their long-awaited return, Maia, now 31, expressed her sentiments thoroughly, stating, “It feels really amazing to be back out there together on the ice. It’s such an honor to compete in Japan again.” Their homecoming was as much a celebration of identity and heritage as it was a competitive endeavor.
The Shibutanis emphasized that this comeback was not just a sporting decision but a deeply considered choice involving physical, mental, and emotional preparation. “Returning after seven years is certainly ambitious… For us, we wanted to take our time to get our skating to the point that we wanted it to be at,” noted Maia.
As the Shibutanis look to qualify for the Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026, their confidence shines through. Alex remarked, “We’ve skated in this building before… and so it felt very fitting that we were able to debut this rhythm dance here in Osaka today.” The siblings also recognize that their experiences over the past years have enriched their performances, indicating a maturity and deeper understanding of their craft.
With the journey just beginning, both Maia and Alex are eager to embrace the challenges ahead. “I feel stronger than I did before,” Maia reported, highlighting a newfound perspective that comes with age. The narrative surrounding their return adds exciting layers to the world of professional figure skating, as fans eagerly await their unfolding story.
