The ShibShibs: A Journey of Olympic Glory, Sibling Bond, and Human Moments
Alex and Maia Shibutani, affectionately known as the “ShibShibs” in the figure skating world, have carved out a remarkable legacy in ice dancing that spans over two decades. Their journey together began when Alex was just 12 and Maia only 9 years old, transforming from individual skaters to one of the most celebrated ice dancing duos in American history. Their path has been marked by historic achievements, including becoming the first ice dancers of Asian descent to medal at the Olympics when they captured bronze medals in both team and individual events at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games. This accomplishment also made them the first sibling pair to share an Olympic ice dance medal for the United States, cementing their place in sports history and leading to their first-ballot induction into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2023.
The ShibShibs’ bond extends well beyond the ice rink. Following their Olympic success, the siblings took a planned break from competitive skating in 2018, which was extended when Maia faced a serious health challenge in 2019 – a diagnosis of kidney cancer. After her surgery and recovery, the pair demonstrated their resilience by mounting a comeback in 2025, showing the skating world that their determination remained undiminished. Outside of skating, they’ve channeled their creative energies into writing, co-authoring four children’s books aimed at increasing Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in children’s literature. As Alex explained in a 2021 interview, “Growing up, Maia and I didn’t have a middle-grade book that featured contemporary Asian-American protagonists. We wanted to tell an uplifting, fun, dynamic, exciting mystery adventure that we would’ve really enjoyed when we were kids.” Their literary endeavors reflect their commitment to creating the representation they lacked as children.
Like many high-achieving partnerships, particularly between siblings, the Shibutanis’ relationship has faced moments of intense pressure. In October 2025, their journey took an unexpected turn when footage of Alex berating Maia during practice surfaced and went viral. The 11-minute video captured a heated moment where Alex directed an expletive-filled rant at his sister, calling her an “idiot” as they worked through their routine on the ice. The incident offered a rare glimpse into the high-pressure environment of elite athletic training and the complex dynamics that can exist even in the most successful partnerships. The controversy prompted discussions about competitive pressure, sibling relationships, and appropriate behavior between athletic partners, regardless of their familial ties.
Both Shibutanis addressed the incident with transparency in November 2025. Alex expressed profound regret, telling the Associated Press, “I feel terrible about it. I apologized to Maia right after our practice. The intensity of what we are trying to do and the standards that we have, the two of us, we both understand [my outburst] but it was wrong and I am committed to being a better teammate.” Maia, demonstrating the deep understanding that comes from decades of partnership, contextualized the moment while standing by her brother: “When you are working toward being your best there are going to be intense moments. For us, we understand each other and the process and we work through it together like siblings do.” Her response – “we choose each other every time” – spoke volumes about the enduring nature of their bond, suggesting that their relationship is resilient enough to withstand the inevitable tensions that arise in the pursuit of excellence.
Beyond their skating accomplishments, Alex has developed a parallel career as a professional photographer, covering prestigious events including the Emmy Awards and the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has noted the parallels between photography and skating, reflecting that both disciplines balance technical precision with artistic expression. “I find that photography shares many commonalties with skating,” he explained in a 2021 interview with Leica Camera. “The duality of technique and artistry. The importance of mindfulness and being present to capture the moment. The sensitivity, vulnerability and generosity of sharing the work to evoke a feeling.” This artistic sensibility has allowed him to translate the awareness and timing he developed as a skater into capturing meaningful moments through a different medium, demonstrating the transferability of the skills and mindset he honed on the ice.
The Shibutanis’ story is ultimately one of excellence, perseverance, and the complex reality of long-term partnerships – especially between siblings working at the highest levels of athletic competition. Their journey from childhood skaters to Olympic medalists, authors, and in Alex’s case, a professional photographer, illustrates the multifaceted nature of their talents and interests. The viral incident from their practice session, while unfortunate, serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished and harmonious teams face moments of frustration and tension. Their response to the controversy – acknowledging the mistake, apologizing, and moving forward together – demonstrates the emotional maturity that has helped sustain their partnership through challenges ranging from Olympic pressure to health crises. As they continue their comeback to competitive skating, the ShibShibs carry with them not just their bronze medals and hall of fame status, but also the lessons learned from navigating the spotlight in both triumph and difficulty, embodying the very human reality that excellence doesn’t preclude imperfection.
