They say that to execute a pairs routine fully, you must have chemistry with your partner. If that’s the case, then Alex and Maia Shibutani got everything covered. The pair has proven experience at the Olympic level, and manages to make everything fresh and surprising. Maybe they’re also being a little unfair as they’ve known each other for the rest of their lives.
Here’s everything you wanted to know about the ‘ShibSibs’—interesting facts about them, their lives, and their professional careers.
The legend begins
Maia and Alex Shibutani were born three years apart of each other. Maia has her birthday in 1994, July 20th; Alex Shibutani was born sometime in 1991. They got their break at a very young age; Alex began skating at 7 while Maia got her start at 4-years-old.
A string of achievements
The siblings are not to be taken lightly either; they are both back-to-back National champions and have finished ninth among the field at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. From the time they’ve started lacing their skates, they’ve won a medal at each competition they joined.
Dedication to training
The way they’ve trained speaks of their dedication. To prepare for the Sochi Olympics, they trained at Michigan, where they partnered with equally talented couples Charlie White and Meryl Davis. Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue were also training partners at the camp.
Dedication to their fans
The ShibSibs—as they are famously known—has a YouTube channel that they regularly update. This is where they regularly tell their fans their likes, dislikes, and activites, like the fact that Alex is 6’ and Maia is 5’3”, a perfect partnership for pairs skaters.
What they would be if they weren’t skating
Maia and Alex Shibutani perhaps still look forward to a life after skating. Maia loves food, and she thought maybe she’d love to cook after skating. Alex is also a foodie like her, but ever the consummate athlete, he loves his city; Alex is an avid follower of all Boston sports teams.
Alex and Maia Shibutani are still active in the professional skating scene. As much as you’d love to support them, know them as people more than you know them as athletes.