Maia and Alex Sibutani Set to Make a Dazzling Return to Figure Skating Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani, known affectionately as the ‘Shib Sibs’, have delighted fans with the announcement of their comeback to competitive figure skating. In a statement released through US Figure Skating, the two-time Olympic medalists revealed their plans to re-enter the skating scene in the upcoming 2025-26 Olympic season. This exciting news comes five years after Maia, aged 30, disclosed that a tumor removed from her kidney turned out to be cancerous.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Maia-Alex-Shibutani-050125-1-8b02106abeb34631b17ec29a32c20a4f.jpg)
The resilience and determination shown by the siblings amidst personal challenges have captured the hearts of many. In a recent interview with PEOPLE in May 2024, Maia expressed her gratitude for her improving health following her battle with kidney cancer. She shared, “These past seven years have challenged and inspired us in ways we never expected. I’m so happy and grateful to be healthy and in a position to make the decision to return to the sport I love in this way.”
The return of the Shibutanis will undoubtedly bring a fresh energy to the ice, as Alex, aged 34, mentioned in the statement. The duo is eager to infuse their newfound perspectives and skills acquired during their hiatus into their performances. Alex remarked, “Our experiences and the new skills we’ve developed during our time away from competition have brought us different perspectives and created some exciting new possibilities.”
Under the guidance of esteemed coaches Marina Zoueva and Massimo Scali, Maia and Alex are set to reignite their passion for figure skating. Their decision to step back from competition followed their remarkable success at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where they secured bronze medals in the ice dance and team event categories. However, Maia’s cancer diagnosis in 2019 led the siblings to prioritize her health and well-being, putting their skating career on hold.
During their hiatus, the Shib Sibs explored various creative ventures, including choreography projects and the authoring of four children’s books, as highlighted in the statement. Their time away from the rink allowed them to delve into diverse artistic pursuits, showcasing their versatility and depth beyond the realm of figure skating.
In the wake of Maia’s cancer diagnosis, she courageously shared her journey through candid posts on social media. Despite the physical challenges she faced, she remained resilient and optimistic about her recovery. Her openness and strength have served as a source of inspiration for many, and her triumphant return to the sport symbolises a victory over adversity.
The anticipation surrounding the Shibutanis’ return to figure skating is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting their mesmerising performances on the ice once again. The siblings’ unwavering determination and unwavering spirit exemplify the true essence of sportsmanship and resilience. As they gear up to showcase their talents in the upcoming season, Maia and Alex’s comeback story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in overcoming life’s obstacles.