The First Sibling Duo from the US to Win a Medal at the Olympics
- 2 years ago
Maia and Alex Shibutani are an ice dancing sibling duo who won a medal at the Olympics. They came to the Fatherly offices to share with us their story, and they say they owe it all to their parents.
Alex and Maia are also known as the Shib Sibs, and they have returned from their second Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, representing the U.S. The sibling pair are known for ice dancing, and they have been skating with each other for 14 years. Long before they became world-class competitors, Alex and Maia Shibutani’s parents supported their athletic dreams. Unlike many other athletes who follow in their parents’ footsteps, they developed a love of skating on their own.
Maia began figure skating at 4 years old, while Alex began at 7 years old after watching Maia on the ice. The two originally competed individually before they began ice dancing together in 2004, when Alex was 12 and Maia was 9. The two have since gone on to medal in the U.S. Championships for 13 consecutive years.
The siblings mention how their parents had to be extremely patient and understanding and supportive of both of them. Their mom was taking them to the ice rink every single day, and they owe it to her to at least take her on vacation after all these years of endless support. There is no doubt that it’s taken hard work and discipline to become world-class medalists, but they also have the sacrifices of Mom and Dad to thank for helping them pursue that dream.
Alex and Maia are also known as the Shib Sibs, and they have returned from their second Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, representing the U.S. The sibling pair are known for ice dancing, and they have been skating with each other for 14 years. Long before they became world-class competitors, Alex and Maia Shibutani’s parents supported their athletic dreams. Unlike many other athletes who follow in their parents’ footsteps, they developed a love of skating on their own.
Maia began figure skating at 4 years old, while Alex began at 7 years old after watching Maia on the ice. The two originally competed individually before they began ice dancing together in 2004, when Alex was 12 and Maia was 9. The two have since gone on to medal in the U.S. Championships for 13 consecutive years.
The siblings mention how their parents had to be extremely patient and understanding and supportive of both of them. Their mom was taking them to the ice rink every single day, and they owe it to her to at least take her on vacation after all these years of endless support. There is no doubt that it’s taken hard work and discipline to become world-class medalists, but they also have the sacrifices of Mom and Dad to thank for helping them pursue that dream.