Alex Shibutani and Maia Shibutani (Photo by Ben Margot/AP)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Double Olympic bronze medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani have dropped out of the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships.
Also passing on worlds in Milan from March 19-25 is Adam Rippon, who helped the United States win the team bronze medal at the Pyeongchang Games last month.
First alternates Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker will replace the Shibutanis in the ice dance event. The duo won the Four Continents Championships this year after they placed fourth at the 2018 U.S. championships.
The Shibutanis won bronze in the team event and in ice dancing.
Third alternate Max Aaron will replace Rippon in the men’s event at worlds. Both Jason Brown and Ross Miner, the first and second alternates, respectively, declined invitations.
Aaron won the bronze medal at the Cup of China in the fall, and recently placed fifth at Four Continents. This will mark Aaron’s fourth appearance at worlds.