Alex and Maia Shibutani, renowned U.S. ice dancers, have announced their return to competitive skating with hopes of joining the U.S. team for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Known as the Shib Sibs, they are celebrated for their previous achievements, including a bronze medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, and have remained active in the Olympic community even during their competitive hiatus. Their break from competition was extended due to Maia's health issues, including surgery for a malignant tumor. Despite these challenges, they have engaged in various endeavors such as authoring children's books and promoting diversity. Training with coaches Marina Zoueva and Massimo Scali, they face stiff competition from other American ice dance teams, yet their return adds excitement and depth to the U.S. figure skating scene.

Alex and Maia Shibutani are returning to competitive ice dancing with the goal of competing at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, after having last competed in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games where they won a bronze medal.

The Shibutanis, known as the Shib Sibs, have been a dominant force in U.S. ice dancing, with a history of three world medals and participation in two Olympics, highlighting their longstanding impact on the sport.

Their hiatus from competition was largely due to Maia Shibutani's health challenges, including a diagnosis of a malignant tumor on her kidney in 2019, which required surgery and a lengthy recovery process.

During their time away from competition, the siblings authored children's books, worked as choreographers, and served as ambassadors for diversity, maintaining their connection to the figure skating community.

In preparation for their Olympic comeback, they are training with Marina Zoueva and Massimo Scali, coaches known for helping other skaters achieve success, though they face strong competition from other top U.S. teams.

The Shibutanis' return coincides with a highly competitive field in U.S. ice dancing, with teams like Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who recently secured their third consecutive world title, posing significant competition for Olympic spots.

Their comeback is seen as an exciting development for U.S. Figure Skating, contributing to the team's strength and diversity as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic season, according to Justin Dillon, a senior director at U.S. Figure Skating.