Shibutanis Return to Ice Dance for 2026 Olympics

Olympic ice dance siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani, known as the 'Shib Sibs,' are making a return to competitive figure skating after a seven-year hiatus, aiming for a spot on the U.S. team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The pair stepped away from competition after winning double bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, partly due to Maia's diagnosis and recovery from kidney cancer in 2019. During their time away, they authored four children's books and explored creative pursuits such as choreography and public speaking. The Shibutanis, who made history as the first ice dancers of Asian descent to earn Olympic ice dance medals and were inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2023, will train with long-time coach Marina Zoueva and Massimo Scali. Both Maia and Alex expressed gratitude for Maia's recovery and excitement for their return, noting the new perspectives gained during their absence. Their comeback will add depth to an already competitive American ice dance field.