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Fans Gave Shaun White a Unique Welcome to Retirement Club Including Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Tom Brady, and Other Legends

Published 02/17/2022, 1:54 PM EST

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via Reuters

Many athletes have a transition period after retiring from their favorite sport. It takes time for them to adjust to a new life after spending their careers competing and training for competitions. Similarly, Shaun White is in that stage right now. He retired after the Beijing Winter Olympics and is now preparing for the next chapter of his life.

Following his retirement, he received several messages from some of the best athletes in the world, like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and many more. With all of them retired from the sport as the greatest athletes of all time, Shaun feels happy to share this stage with legendary icons of the sporting world.

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Shaun White receives funny emails

Often regarded as the GOAT of snowboarding, White enjoyed a successful career, winning accolades, wherever he went. Significantly, he won three Olympic gold medals; but lost out on a 4th one at the Beijing Winter Olympics. That’s history now, as he recalls fans and legends, lauding him on his distinguished career. Entering a new phase of life, he revealed how he received several messages from many top-class athletes as well as fans.

“I was getting these funny emails like your application has been accepted to the Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, uh, David Beckham retirement home. Nice!!! I mean it’s so cool amazing legends and talents in their sports and to kind of have them cheering me on and having followed my career,” said White.

via Getty

The aforementioned athletes achieved unbelievable success in their careers. Hence, as he sits amongst an elite company, White is pleased.

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A humble experience

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He recalled how some of these legends rank atop most fans’ favorite list because of their feats in their respective sports. To be considered in the same bracket as them speaks volumes about the career he has had. Although it feels weird for him to be in this situation, he is looking forward to achieving greater things in life.

“I mean it’s just so great respect among athletes. I’m so pleased to call them friends. It’s exciting to look at their careers and what they still mean to their sport even though they haven’t been competitive in some time. It’s definitely weird territory, new water to me,” said White.

via Getty

Ever since he made his debut back in 2000, White was the poster boy of all extreme sports athletes. To sum up, the snowboarding fraternity will miss him. But surely, his legacy will be remembered forever.

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the center the respect he deserves.
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