Maia Shibutani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maia Shibutani |
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The Shibutanis in 2018
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| Personal information | |
| Full name | Maia Harumi Shibutani |
| Country represented |  United States |
| Born | July 20, 1994 New York City, New York |
| Home town | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Height | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Began skating | 1998 |
| Retired | 2018 |
Maia Harumi Shibutani (born July 20, 1994) is a retired American ice dancer. She competed with her brother, Alex Shibutani. They are often called the "Shib Sibs."
Maia and Alex won two bronze medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics. They also won three medals at the World Championships. These include a silver in 2016 and bronzes in 2011 and 2017. They were the 2016 Four Continents champions. They also won two U.S. national championships in 2016 and 2017.
The Shibutanis won six titles in the Grand Prix series. They earned medals at 14 U.S. Championships in a row. This included eight times as senior skaters. They competed for the U.S. Olympic team in 2014 and 2018. In 2018, they became the first ice dancers of Asian descent to win an Olympic medal. They were also the second brother-sister team to win an Olympic ice dancing medal.
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Maia Shibutani's Early Life
Maia Harumi Shibutani was born on July 20, 1994, in New York City. Her parents, Chris Shibutani and Naomi Uyemura, are of Japanese descent. They met while studying music at Harvard University.
Maia has an older brother, Alex Shibutani. He became her partner in ice dancing. She started skating when she was four years old in 1998. This was in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. She attended Greenwich Academy there.
Moving and School
From 2005 to 2007, Maia lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was schooled at home during this time. In 2007, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. She graduated from Huron High School in 2012. Later that year, she started attending the University of Michigan.
Health Update
In 2019, doctors found a growth on Maia's kidney. She began treatment right away.
Maia Shibutani's Skating Career
Maia Shibutani started skating at age four. She first trained as a single skater. Her coach was Slavka Kohout Button. Button was famous for coaching U.S. ladies' champion Janet Lynn.
How the Shibutanis Started Ice Dancing
Maia and her brother Alex decided to try ice dancing in 2003. Their family went to the World Championships in Washington D.C. Alex remembered feeling the wind as the ice dancers flew by. They were very impressed by the skaters' skill and speed. This inspired them to try ice dancing.
Achievements and Awards
Maia and Alex Shibutani had a very successful career. They won many medals and honors.
Major Medals
- Olympic Games: Two bronze medals in 2018 (one for individual ice dance, one for team event).
- World Championships: Silver in 2016, bronze in 2011 and 2017.
- Four Continents Championships: Gold in 2016, silver in 2011 and 2017, bronze in 2015.
- U.S. National Championships: Gold in 2016 and 2017. They also won four silver and two bronze medals.
Other Honors
Maia Shibutani received a Travel & Training Grant from the Women's Sports Foundation twice. This was in 2012 and 2014. The Shibutanis also won the Edi Award for their ice dance performances at U.S. Nationals. The U.S. Olympic Committee named them "Team of the Month" several times. This was for their international achievements.
Giving Back and Diplomacy
The Shibutanis have used their fame to help others. They are involved in many good causes.
Sports Envoys
In 2017, the U.S. State Department named the Shibutanis Sports Envoys. This means they travel to other countries to promote sports and diplomacy. They have visited South Korea and Japan in this role. Other famous skaters like Michelle Kwan have also been Sports Envoys.
Charity Work
Maia and Alex are Athlete Ambassadors for Right To Play since 2013. They also helped with the successful bid for the LA2028 Summer Olympics. They support organizations like The Jimmy Fund and Charity: Water. Maia raised over $10,000 for Charity: Water for her 2017 birthday. They also support One Fund Boston and the NOH8 Campaign.
Brand Partnerships
The Shibutanis have partnered with several well-known brands. These partnerships help support their careers and promote the brands.
- Tumi Inc. - Brand ambassadors
- Ralph Lauren Corporation - Official sponsored athletes
- Intel - Global Team Intel Athletes for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games
- Coca-Cola Corporation's Minute Maid brand
- The Hershey Company's Ice Breakers brand
- Smucker's Milk-Bone brand
See also
In Spanish: Maia Shibutani para niños
