Ice Dancers Maia & Alex Shibutani Made History at Figure Skating Team Event at Olympics

You might have missed it, but earlier this week, Maia and Alex Shibutani made history too.

After performing during the figure skating team event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the 26- and 23-year-old siblings became the first ice dance team of Asian descent to win a medal.

“Last night was a dream that became a reality. [Maia] and I have worked so hard for this! Proud to be the first ice dance team of Asian descent to win a medal at the [Olympics],” Alex wrote in a touching Instagram. “When we started skating together, [Maia] and I didn’t see any teams on the ice that looked like us. There weren’t too many sibling teams either.”

“Being so ‘different’ could have been a warning sign… but we were 9 and 12 years old and didn’t see ourselves as ‘different’. We were just having a blast skating together. Throughout our career (14 years and counting), [Maia] and I have had to, and will continue to push past stereotypes, labels, doubters, and cynics.”

“We have become successful BECAUSE we are siblings and family. Not in spite of that fact. We have challenged ourselves to grow, innovate, and embrace what makes us different from other teams BECAUSE our differences are what make us unique.

“When someone tells you that you can’t do something or that your success will be limited because of how you look, or who you are, keep moving forward. Set yourself apart by finding a way to utilize your strengths. Never stop believing in yourself.

“Believe in your dreams and surround yourself with people who nurture and believe in your dreams as much as you do. Sometimes the journey can be lonely, but fortunately, [Maia] and I have always had each other.

“You don’t have to look like anyone else. You don’t have to be, or skate like anyone else. You don’t have to fit the mold or follow the path that everyone else is on. Just find, and be yourself.”