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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Shibutani siblings: PH can excel in Winter sports

Shibutani siblings: PH can excel in Winter sports

Published Feb 26, 2025 06:35 am

At A Glance

  • American ice skaters and siblings Alex and Maia Shibutani strongly believed that a tropical country like the Philippines can shine in Winter sports.

American ice skaters and siblings Alex and Maia Shibutani strongly believed that a tropical country like the Philippines can shine in Winter sports.

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American ice skaters and siblings Alex, right, and Maia Shibutani 

Visiting the country with hopes of inspiring the youth, the Shibutani siblings said the determination of Filipino skaters to learn and excel are evident.

“We have full confidence that it’s definitely a good thing here in the Philippines,” said Alex during an event at Lanson Place Mall of Asia Tuesday evening, Feb. 25.

“I think it's really exciting, especially after all the work that we did with so many students [and] we were so astonished and amazed by the turnout here,” he added.

Alex and Maia won bronze medals in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on top of numerous accolades in the US Championships, and the siblings believed the Filipinos can also make it to the sports’ grandest stage.

“The answer is right there when you think about how many skaters showed up on the ice the past two days,” Alex said.

The Shibutanis recently presided a clinic at the SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink with two-time Filipino Winter Olympics figure skater Michael Martinez and rising star Skye Chua taking part.

“The interest is there, and the enthusiasm is there, and we know that the work ethic is there. And we're here to help, then we know that the sky's the limit,” said Alex.

“The enthusiasm and energy was very inspiring for us. As we were introducing the practice dance moves and all, there was a lot of smiling and laughter,” Maia added.

Last month, Isabella Gamez and naturalized figure skater Aleksandr Korovin came close to a podium finish at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China by placing fourth in their event. Other Filipinos who also competed were Paolo Borromeo, Sofia Frank, and Cathryn Limketkai.

The Nationals are going all out for the coming months as they eye to secure a coveted spot in the Milano Cortina 2026.

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