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, U.S. |
| Home town | Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Began skating | 1998 |
Maia Harumi Shibutani (born July 20, 1994) is a famous American ice dancer. She skates with her older brother, Alex Shibutani. Together, they are known as the "Shib Sibs."
Maia and Alex have won many awards. They earned two bronze medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics. They also won three medals at the World Championships: a silver in 2016 and bronzes in 2011 and 2017.
The Shibutanis were also champions at the 2016 Four Continents competition. They won the U.S. national title twice, in 2016 and 2017. They have won six titles in the Grand Prix series, which is a big international skating competition.
Maia and Alex have been on the podium at 14 U.S. Championships in a row. This includes eight times as senior skaters. When they were juniors, they won silver at the 2009 World Junior Championships. They also got a bronze at the 2009–10 Junior Grand Prix Final.
The Shibutanis represented the U.S. Olympic team twice. They competed in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. In 2018, they made history. They were the first ice dancers of Asian descent to win an Olympic medal. They were also the second brother-sister team to win an Olympic medal in ice dancing.
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About Maia's Life
Maia Harumi Shibutani was born on July 20, 1994, in New York City. Her parents, Chris Shibutani and Naomi Uyemura, are both of Japanese descent. They met while studying music at Harvard.
Maia started figure skating when she was four years old in 1998. This was in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. She attended Greenwich Academy there.
From 2005 to 2007, Maia lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During this time, she was homeschooled. In 2007, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. She graduated from Huron High School in Ann Arbor in 2012. After high school, she began studying at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2012.
In 2019, Maia faced a health challenge. She received treatment for a medical condition related to her kidney.
Maia's Skating Journey
Maia Shibutani began her skating career as a single skater. This means she skated by herself, not with a partner. Her first coach was Slavka Kohout Button.
A special moment inspired Maia and Alex to try ice dancing. In March 2003, their family watched the World Championships in Washington D.C. Alex Shibutani remembered feeling the wind as the ice dancers sped by. They were amazed by the skaters' art, skill, and speed. This made them want to try ice dancing too.
The Shibutanis quickly became a strong ice dance team. They trained hard and developed their unique style. Their performances are known for being artistic and precise.
Giving Back and Helping Others
Maia and Alex Shibutani are not just great athletes. They also work to help others and represent their country.
- In 2017, the U.S. State Department named them Sports Envoys. This special role means they travel to other countries to share American values through sports. They have visited South Korea and Japan.
- Since 2013, they have been Athlete Ambassadors for Right To Play. This organization uses sports and play to educate and empower children.
- They are also part of the Athlete Advisory Commission for LA2028. This group helped bring the 2028 Summer Olympics to the U.S.
- The Shibutanis support many other good causes. These include The Jimmy Fund, Charity: Water, One Fund Boston, and the NOH8 Campaign. Maia even raised over $10,000 for Charity: Water for her birthday in 2017.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Maia Shibutani has received several honors for her achievements.
- She won a Travel & Training Grant from the Women's Sports Foundation twice, in 2012 and 2014. This grant helps athletes with their training costs.
- The Shibutanis have won the Edi Award from the Professional Skaters Association multiple times. This award is for outstanding ice dance performances at the U.S. Nationals.
- The U.S. Olympic Committee has named them "Team of the Month" several times. This is for their great results while representing Team USA in international competitions.
Partnerships and Sponsors
Many well-known companies have partnered with Maia and Alex.
- They are brand ambassadors for Tumi Inc., a company known for travel bags.
- Ralph Lauren Corporation has sponsored them as official athletes.
- They were part of Intel's Global Team Intel Athletes for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
- Other sponsors include Coca-Cola's Minute Maid brand, The Hershey Company's Ice Breakers brand, and Smucker's Milk-Bone brand.
See also
In Spanish: Maia Shibutani para niños
