The Shibutanis Thread 6: Paradise Found

[Sylvia]

Mary Omatiga interviewed Maia & Alex at the Figure Skating in Harlem event (video & transcript):

Maia, Alex Shibutani talk new book, life transitions, and AAPI representation

Mai and Alex Shibutani open up about the significance of visibility and representation for people of all backgrounds and what life looks like right now.

olympics.nbcsports.com

 

[ross_hy]

Maia, Alex Shibutani talk new book, life transitions, and AAPI representation

Mai and Alex Shibutani open up about the significance of visibility and representation for people of all backgrounds and what life looks like right now.

olympics.nbcsports.com

I think it's interesting that they are still keeping the door open to competing again. Based on their socials, theyre not doing a ton of skating. Do they see an opening on the 2026 Olympic team if Chock & Bates retire?

 

[VGThuy]

I don’t think they’re returning. They’re just like many others who haven’t officially stated they’ve retired from competitive skating while being retired from competitive skating.

 

[Sylvia]

ABC News Live interview earlier this month: https://twitter.com/ABCNewsLive/status/1656003552500752390

They will be in an Ann Arbor (MI) District Library discussion panel with Paralympian Chuck Aoki on Sunday, May 28 from 2-3 pm (in partnership with the Literati Bookstore): https://www.literatibookstore.com/event/maia-shibutani-and-alex-shibutani-aadl
ETA - "The Library intends to provide a live stream of this event pending the presenter's permission. Please check back closer to the event for additional updates.": https://aadl.org/node/616663

 

[guignardfabbri]

I think it's interesting that they are still keeping the door open to competing again. Based on their socials, theyre not doing a ton of skating. Do they see an opening on the 2026 Olympic team if Chock & Bates retire?

They probably would have a shot at the team per say whether Chock & Bates continue or not. Since if Chock & Bates are still there, pretty much guaranteed there would be 3 spots for 2026, and if the 2nd US team is somehow so weak they can't manage 3 spots even with Chock & Bates, then the Shibutanis even retired for 7 years, would have a pretty easy time getting the 2nd spot then.

That said no way do I see them returning at this point. I thought it was a possability last quad until near the end, but not now.

 

[skatfan]

Good to hear they are doing well.

Do we know how they support themselves these days? Writing children’s books can’t sustain them. Do they get enough speaking events, or is there family money?

 

[VGThuy]

That’s probably private information.

 

[Sylvia]

I've posted the Shibs' photo links in the White House state dinner for the Prime Minister of Japan thread:

Yamaguchi & Shibutanis attended the 4/10/24 Japan State Dinner at the White House

Kristi attended last night’s festivities with her longtime agent, Yuki Saegusa - 9 photos+1 clip (with ShibSibs in #9): https://www.instagram.com/p/C5oT75FpXJV/ Maia shared 3 photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5pOBTcLRLp/

www.fsuniverse.net

Re-posting here from the 2024 Paris Olympics news thread in Other Sports:

Alex Shibutani attended the Team USA Media Summit Welcome Party at the Central Park Boathouse on April 14, 2024 in New York City: link to 3 Getty Images photos of him
I assume he may have a (photographer's?) role this summer in Paris?