LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
ShibSibs win Readers’ Choice Award T e fans have always played a big part in the lives
and careers of ice dancers Maia and Alex Shibutani. T e Michigan-based siblings have provided them with a fi gurative place at the rink boards through an array of social media channels, as well as personal attention at all of their major skating competitions. Last season, the ShibSibs, as they are fondly
known, enjoyed their best campaign ever, winning their fi rst U.S. senior title in Saint Paul, Minneso- ta, and the silver medal at the World Champion- ships in Boston. On July 8, skating fans rewarded the Shibu-
tanis’ stellar season by voting them winners of SKATING magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award. Each year since 1989, fi gure skating fans have been asked to vote for the eligible skater(s) they believe is most deserving of the award based on the accom- plishments of the past season. A record 36,800 votes were cast online through
icenetwork during the balloting period of June 30 through July 7. Tyler Pierce, who placed third in the ladies short program and fi fth overall at the U.S. Championships, fi nished second in the vot- ing. U.S. pairs champions Tarah Kayne and Dan- ny O’Shea recorded the third-highest number of votes. T e Shibutanis, coached by Marina Zoueva in
Canton, Michigan, will be presented the Readers’ Choice Award Michelle Kwan Trophy, a one-of-a- kind crystal sculpture, at the 2017 U.S. Figure Skat- ing Championships in Kansas City in late January. “T e signifi cance of this award is in its name,”
Maia said. “It’s an honor to join the amazing group of skaters who have won this award before us. Last season was our best so far, and we are thankful for all the support and votes. “We love performing and sharing our passion
for skating and life. Whether people support what we do on the ice or appreciate who we are off the ice, having the ability to connect with so many of them around the world is unique and something we don’t take for granted. Gaining the support of loyal skating fans and bringing new people to the sport is special. It’s exciting and humbling that wherever we go, we have amazing supporters.” T e ShibSibs’ competitive skating career be-
gan in 2005, when they won the North Atlantic Regional Championships, and has fl ourished ever since, with U.S. titles coming in the intermediate (2006), novice (2007), junior (2010) and now senior (2016) ranks. T ey’ve won six consecutive U.S. medals at the senior level and two World medals (2011, 2016). Maia and Alex fi nished ninth at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. T is past season, however, proved to be the sweet-
est of them all as they performed their award-win- ning free dance to Cold Play’s “Fix You” in front of
4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016
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boisterous crowds in Saint Paul and Boston. “It has really been a journey, but having unwav-
ering support from our parents, coaches and skat- ing family has meant everything to us,” Alex said. “While we have amazing fans around the world, having the opportunity to compete at nationals in Saint Paul and at the World Championships in Bos- ton in front of American crowds was incredible.” T eir season also included winning a gold med-
al at the Four Continents Championships, a title at NHK Trophy, a silver medal at Skate Canada and fi nishing fourth at the Grand Prix Final. “Last season was exciting because it was a sea-
son of growth and perseverance,” Maia said. “Our skating reached a new level, and everything we ac- complished has inspired us to push ourselves even more. We built a lot of momentum, and perform- ing well under pressure only adds to our determi- nation as we head toward (the Olympics in) 2018.” T e Shibutanis can be found on Twitter, Snapchat,
Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, Beme and many other social networking platforms. T ey have individual ac- counts and a team account handle: shibsibs. ShibSibs is also the name of their YouTube channel. “Social media allows us to connect with inter-
active and enthusiastic fans,” Alex said. “It’s also a great way for us to introduce people who follow us for things we do outside of skating back to the sport and what we do on the ice. “We have to mention all of our great friends on
Snapchat. We love your energy. If you’re not on Snapchat, add us: shibsibs.”
Readers’ Choice Award winners
2016 – Maia Shibutani/Alex Shibutani 2015 – Alexa Scimeca/Christopher Knierim 2014 – Jeremy Abbott 2013 – Meryl Davis/Charlie White 2012 – Ashley Wagner 2011 – Meryl Davis/Charlie White 2010 – Johnny Weir 2009 – Evan Lysacek 2008 – Johnny Weir 2007 – Miami University 2006 – Kimmie Meissner 2005 – Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto 2004 – Sasha Cohen, Haydenettes (tie) 2003 – Michelle Kwan 2002 – Michelle Kwan 2001 – Michelle Kwan 2000 – Michael Weiss 1999 – Michelle Kwan 1998 – Michelle Kwan 1997 – Tara Lipinski 1996 – Michelle Kwan 1995 – Todd Eldredge 1994 – Michelle Kwan
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Suppliers
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Licensees
1993 – Scott Davis 1992 – Paul Wylie 1991 – Tonya Harding 1990 – Jill Trenary 1989 – Kristi Yamaguchi
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