Olympic ice skater says embracing adversity is key to success

Alex Shibutani, who competes in pairs with his sister, took to Twitter to encourage others to use what makes them different.

Ice dancing team Alex and Maia Shibutani recently claimed the bronze for Team USA, making history as the first figure skating team of Asian descent to place at the Olympics. Following the win, Alex Shibutani took to Twitter to share some advice about embracing adversity.

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.
— Alex Shibutani (@AlexShibutani) February 13, 2018

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.
— Alex Shibutani (@AlexShibutani) February 13, 2018

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.
— Alex Shibutani (@AlexShibutani) February 13, 2018

The Shibutani siblings didn’t let obstacles have the last word, and, even if you don’t end up with an Olympic medal to show for it, it’s always worth it to do the same. “Set yourself apart by finding a way to utilize your strengths,” Alex says. “Never stop believing in yourself.”