The Shibutani siblings' decision to step away from competitive figure skating after the 2018 Olympics was met with widespread surprise, given their storied career and record-breaking Olympic bronze medals. Maia and Alex, affectionately known as "Shib Sibs," were trailblazers for Asian descent in the sport, paving the way for future generations of dancers.
However, during their hiatus from competition, the siblings revealed they made a deliberate choice to re-evaluate their relationship with figure skating. In a surprise move, they announced their intention to return to the ice, aiming to make history once again at the 2026 Milan Winter Games.
"I think taking time off from figure skating helped us grow and find ourselves," said Maia, reflecting on their decision to step away. "We realized that we didn't have to be defined by this sport, but rather, we could be defined by who we are as people."
Alex echoed his sister's sentiments, stating, "Our break gave us the opportunity to refocus and recharge, both individually and together." The Shibutani siblings credited their time off with allowing them to strengthen their bond and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
When asked about what drove their decision to return to competition, Alex explained, "We want to leave our mark on the sport in a meaningful way. We've been fortunate enough to be part of history-making moments, but we also feel like there's more to achieve." The siblings' renewed commitment to competitive figure skating will undoubtedly generate excitement and curiosity among fans, as they embark on this new chapter in their journey.
Their decision to step away from the sport was a calculated risk, one that allowed them to reassess their priorities and rekindle their passion for figure skating. Now, with their sights set on the 2026 Milan Winter Games, Maia and Alex Shibutani are poised to make an even more lasting impact on the world of competitive ice dancing.
However, during their hiatus from competition, the siblings revealed they made a deliberate choice to re-evaluate their relationship with figure skating. In a surprise move, they announced their intention to return to the ice, aiming to make history once again at the 2026 Milan Winter Games.
"I think taking time off from figure skating helped us grow and find ourselves," said Maia, reflecting on their decision to step away. "We realized that we didn't have to be defined by this sport, but rather, we could be defined by who we are as people."
Alex echoed his sister's sentiments, stating, "Our break gave us the opportunity to refocus and recharge, both individually and together." The Shibutani siblings credited their time off with allowing them to strengthen their bond and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
When asked about what drove their decision to return to competition, Alex explained, "We want to leave our mark on the sport in a meaningful way. We've been fortunate enough to be part of history-making moments, but we also feel like there's more to achieve." The siblings' renewed commitment to competitive figure skating will undoubtedly generate excitement and curiosity among fans, as they embark on this new chapter in their journey.
Their decision to step away from the sport was a calculated risk, one that allowed them to reassess their priorities and rekindle their passion for figure skating. Now, with their sights set on the 2026 Milan Winter Games, Maia and Alex Shibutani are poised to make an even more lasting impact on the world of competitive ice dancing.
... I mean, I get it, they needed some time off to figure out who they were outside of the sport and stuff, but now they're coming back to make history again? 
I guess it's cool that they're motivated to leave their mark on the sport, but can't they just enjoy figure skating for once without feeling like they need to achieve more? 
just saw the news that Shib Sibs are coming out of retirement again 
Now they wanna make history at the 2026 Milan Winter Games? Like, what's next? Are they gonna come out of retirement again in 2030 too? 
.
The fact that they were able to come back stronger, both individually and together, is a testament to their growth and maturity as athletes and as people. Their decision to return to competition is definitely driven by a desire to make history once again, but also to leave a lasting impact on the sport. 
It'll be exciting to see them in action at the 2026 Milan Winter Games! 
. Now they're ready to SLAY the ice at Milan Winter Games 
and leave their mark on figure skating history 
. I'm hyped to see what's next for these talented dancers 
their hiatus was def a good idea tho - it made them re-evaluate what's important to them and find themselves outside of figure skating 
. now they're coming back with a vengeance, ready to leave their mark on the sport 
. i love how they're not just jumping back in, but are actually thinking about the bigger picture 
. this is gonna be amazing! 
they were already legends in my book 
especially since they paved the way for other asians in figure skating 
i mean, who wouldn't want to see the shib sibs skate one last time? 
. I'm low-key salty that I missed the 2018 Olympics tho 
. But let's be real, they're back and better than ever 
?
... And what does it mean for them as siblings, competing together again after being apart for so long 
...