Sibling Ice Dancers Defy Romantic Narratives

As Olympic ice dancing takes the spotlight, some teams are challenging the sport's emphasis on romantic partnerships.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Figure skating has long rewarded teams who play up a romantic narrative, whether or not they are actually dating. But some ice dancing duos, including sibling teams, are bucking this trend and finding creative ways to stand out. The author reflects on her own experience skating with her brother for over a decade, and highlights successful sibling teams like the Shibutanis, the Browns, and the upcoming Czech duos at the 2026 Olympics.

Why it matters

Sibling ice dancing teams offer a unique perspective that challenges the sport's traditional emphasis on romantic partnerships. By rejecting the romantic storyline, these teams are able to explore more creative and unconventional choreography and themes. Their success also highlights the practical benefits of sibling teams, such as stability and mirrored movements.

The details

The author, Jocelyn Jane Cox, skated with her older brother Brad for 11 years, competing at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships four times. While they had their share of sibling squabbles, they also formed a close bond and found inspiration in other successful sibling teams like the French Duchesnay duo. At the 2026 Olympics, two Czech sibling teams - Mrázková and Mrázek, and Taschlerová and Taschler - will be competing, bringing unique tango and sci-fi themes to their free dances.

  • The author and her brother competed together from when she was 8 until 1991.
  • The Shibutani siblings won bronze medals at the 2018 Olympics, but missed out on a comeback attempt in 2026.
  • The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships featured two other sibling teams - Oona and Gage Brown, and the Czech duos Mrázková/Mrázek and Taschlerová/Taschler.

The players

Jocelyn Jane Cox

The author, who skated with her older brother Brad for 11 years in ice dance and pairs.

Brad Cox

Jocelyn's older brother, with whom she skated for over a decade.

Paul and Isabelle Duchesnay

A French sibling ice dancing team who were the 1991 world champions, known for their creative and aggressive choreography.

Maia and Alex Shibutani

An American sibling ice dancing duo, known as the "Shib Sibs", who won two bronze medals at the 2018 Olympics.

Oona and Gage Brown

A sibling ice dancing team from the U.S. who placed 6th at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships with a creative "Godfather" free dance.

Mrázková and Mrázek

A sibling ice dancing team from the Czech Republic competing at the 2026 Olympics.

Taschlerová and Taschler

Another sibling ice dancing team from the Czech Republic competing at the 2026 Olympics, skating to music from The Matrix.

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What they’re saying

“No, don't do it! Skating with your sibling is kind of a weird way to go!”

— Justin Peters (Slate)

“Even so, part of me wants to scream, 'No, don't do it! Skating with your sibling is kind of a weird way to go!'”

— Jocelyn Jane Cox, Author (Slate)

“The other part of me giddily imagines how, like the Duschesnays, the Browns, and briefly the Coxes, they'll continue to push the whole sport in new directions. I can't wait to see what they do next.”

— Jocelyn Jane Cox, Author (Slate)

What’s next

The judges at the 2026 Olympics will evaluate how the Czech sibling teams, Mrázková/Mrázek and Taschlerová/Taschler, are able to portray romantic storylines despite their familial connection.

The takeaway

Sibling ice dancing teams offer a refreshing alternative to the traditional romantic narratives that dominate the sport. By rejecting the emphasis on partner chemistry, these teams are able to explore more creative and unconventional choreography and themes, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in figure skating.