Overview
- Maia and Alex Shibutani, two-time Olympic bronze medalists, have confirmed their return to competitive ice dance for the 2025-26 season.
- The siblings, known as the 'Shib Sibs,' stepped away from competition after the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where they made history as the first ice dancers of Asian descent to medal at the Games.
- Their hiatus included Maia’s recovery from a 2019 kidney cancer diagnosis and surgery, as well as creative ventures such as writing four children’s books.
- The Shibutanis will train with Marina Zoueva and Massimo Scali, aiming to secure one of three U.S. ice dance spots for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
- Their return adds depth to a strong U.S. ice dance field, which includes reigning world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates.