Olympics
Shaun White’s competitive career is over. It ended with a fall on his final run in the halfpipe final and just missing out on a podium finish, coming in fourth.
“I’m not sad. I’m proud of what I put down. And I can’t help but think if I would have hit the podium in third, I would have wanted second. And if I’d have gotten second, I would’ve wanted first. It’s just the fighter in me, and I’m always hoping for more.”
– Shaun White told NBC
This was White’s fifth Olympics. He took gold in his first Olympics 16 years ago in Turin and retained his title in Vancouver four years later. He finished fourth in Sochi in 2014, before returning to winning ways and taking gold at Pyeongchang in 2018.
“Snowboarding, thank you. It’s been the love of my life…It’s been a journey. I can’t wait to see where this sport…
Posted by U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team on Thursday, 10 February 2022
His final run ended when he clipped the wall trying to land the second trick of his third run. Knowing his chances of a medal were over, the 35-year-old removed his helmet and slowly rode down the center of the halfpipe to be congratulated by his competitors.
- Related: Why Snowboarders Hate Shaun White:
Ayuma Hirano, 23, of Japan took gold with a triple-cork, or three head-over-heels spins while twisting above the pipe, for a score of 96.
Shaun White's competitors line up to congratulate him after his final career run 👏@NBCOlympics | #Olympicspic.twitter.com/x9L5NdNS01
— FanSided (@FanSided) February 11, 2022
