"My Focus" is a photo series in which TeamUSA.org (and @TeamUSA on Instagram) takes fans behind the scenes with some of the top Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls. Fans can get a glimpse into a day in the life of an athlete and see the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that is required on a daily basis to represent Team USA. In the 14th installment, follow ice dancers Maia and Alex Shibutani as they train in Canton, Michigan. The Shibutanis are the first athletes to produce their own edition of "My Focus." Find them on Twitter (@MaiaShibutani and @AlexShibutani), Instagram (@MaiaShibutani and @AlexShibutani), Snapchat (shibsibs) and facebook.com/Maia.AlexShibutani.
1) Getting Ready For A Long Day
"We skate five days a week and leave our apartment building at 6 a.m. We bring so many bags to the rink every day that our neighbors always think we’re going on vacation."
2) Walking Into The Rink... We'll Be Here Awhile
"We have our own parking spot (PERKS!). During the winter, it’s always dark when we get to the rink."
3) Warming Up
"It’s important to get our bodies warmed up, especially because we start so early in the morning. We make sure to warm up for at least 45 minutes before stepping on the ice."
4) First Lesson
"We start our day with a lesson with our coach, Marina Zoueva. She’s been coaching us for nine years. During this lesson, she runs us through our programs."
5) Practice Makes Perfect
"We work hard to make our lifts, spins and twizzles look easy. That requires a lot of repetition and technical work."
6) Video Feedback
"We do a lot of video analysis work. It helps us to see ourselves so we can quickly evaluate ways to improve our skating."
7) Break Time!
"It’s important to take a break so that we’re always productive when we’re working. We refuel with healthy snacks and it’s always more fun skating on clean ice."
8) Off-Ice Work
"Even when we’re off the ice, we are working on ways to improve. We often work with specialists like dancers and acrobats. It takes a big team!"
9) More Lessons
"We have a lot of lessons throughout the day. Each of our coaches will focus on different aspects and details of our skating. There’s always something that can be improved."
10) Warming Down
"At most, we can be at the rink for eight hours during the day. It’s important that even when we’re finished, we take the time to stretch and warm down."
11) Additional Training
"After our day at the rink is done, we head to the gym for cardio, strength training and more stretching. Taking care of your body is so important when you’re attempting to compete at an elite level."
12) Unwind
"After a long day, there’s nothing better than hanging out with our family and our dogs, Lily and Po."
