“Thank You, Snowboarding”: Shaun White Pays Last Tribute to His Legendary Career at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Shaun White had the journey of a lifetime in the 23 years that spanned his career. From battling a heart defect to qualifying for the 5th Olympics at the last moment, White was on a rollercoaster ride.

His dream of a 4th Olympic medal remained unfulfilled after he finished 4th at the Halfpipe finals. However, he is more than thankful to snowboarding for making him all that he is today. The athlete took to Instagram to thank snowboarding one last time before he rode off into the sunset.

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Shaun White: A living legend

Shaun White has changed the face of snowboarding. Ever since he represented the US in his first Olympics Games in 2006, White has taken the sport to another level. White holds the record for the most X Games medals. In addition, he is also the snowboarder with the most Olympic Gold medals. Throughout his career, he has also won 10 ESPY Awards in various categories, thereby displaying his supremacy.

Shaun was looking forward to getting a 4th gold medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. He started off quite well, but during his last run, he crashed. This took the medal away from him. White was very close to a podium finish, but perhaps it wasn’t meant to happen. His best score at the finals was 85.00.

White broke down in tears after his last run, looking back at what was a phenomenal career. He took to his Instagram to share a few shots of his last run.

“Thank you, snowboarding,” posted White. Yes, thank you for producing the person who will be known as a legend in the sport for generations to come. Shaun has proved time and again that he really was the best at this. And even though there are new snowboarders who have excellent skills, it will always be White who changed the game altogether.

A tribute to White

Fans, followers, family, friends, and other athletes, as well as celebrities, showered him with love. They flooded the comments with well-wishes for the 35-year-old athlete.

The official page of the Olympics thanked Shaun for being an inspiration to many, and for everything he has done to move the sport forward.

Artist Trevor Andrew thanked Shaun for pushing the sport forward and being the man that he is.

“Big Congratulations Shaun, what an amazing career, you pushed snowboarding forward in a major way & that will never be forgotten!” wrote Trevor.

Snowboarding coach J.J Thomas has also commented on White’s post, admiring the journey that Shaun had. “Hell of a run!! “ posted Thomas.

Come what may, Shaun White will always remain the GOAT of snowboarding. At a time when the sport was not so hyped, it was White who came in, took it seriously, and forever changed it in the eyes of the audience.

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