Maia Shibutani Returns To The Gym For First Time Since Tumor Surgery & On a Very Important Day

Maia Shibutani has taken the next step in her recovery after having a tumor removed a couple of months ago.

The 25-year-old figure skater headed back to the gym for her first workout since her surgery in December, and shared that it actually coincidentally happened on an important day in her life.

“Two years ago today, @alexshibutani and I won our second Olympic medal in PyeongChang. I can remember everything about that day. I’ll always be so proud that rather than allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed, we had the performance of our dreams. There was an incredible amount of pressure and no room for errors, but we stayed present and had one of those magical Olympic moments,” Maia wrote on Instagram.

“Today, I went to the gym for the first time since my surgery in December. On my way there, it really hit me that I was working out for the first time in months on the anniversary of such an important and memorable day in my life,” she added.

“I was already anxious about getting started again, but it was emotionally overwhelming to contrast the elation I felt two years ago at the Olympics with the uncertainty that I felt this morning,” Maia continued.

We are glad to see that Maia is doing better and her road to a full recovery!

Click inside to read her full Instagram post…

“Two years ago today, @alexshibutani and I won our second Olympic medal in PyeongChang. I can remember everything about that day. I’ll always be so proud that rather than allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed, we had the performance of our dreams. There was an incredible amount of pressure and no room for errors, but we stayed present and had one of those magical Olympic moments.

Today, I went to the gym for the first time since my surgery in December. On my way there, it really hit me that I was working out for the first time in months on the anniversary of such an important and memorable day in my life.

I was already anxious about getting started again, but it was emotionally overwhelming to contrast the elation I felt two years ago at the Olympics with the uncertainty that I felt this morning.

My body feels weak – I am not in the physical shape that I’m used to being in. Since I kept working to get stronger following the Olympics, I was in the best shape of my life before my surgery. I think that the last time I took a break longer than a week from training was when I was four or five years old (not even kidding). This morning, rather than being proud of the progress I’ve made with my health and embracing the special significance of today, I was comparing myself to where I was two years ago.

Thankfully, I have a great support system that encouraged me, lifted me up, and reminded me to adjust my perspective. My workout was better than I expected. I stopped judging myself and instead focused on embracing the moment. Some days are tougher than others, but I’m learning and growing so much from the challenges of these past few months. Everything won’t change right away and I need to continue to be patient, but today was a special reminder to celebrate, love, and be kind to myself.”