Home

Olympics

“Thank You Snowboarding, It’s Been My Life”: Shaun White Delivers an Emotional Final Message on Retirement at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Published 02/10/2022, 11:40 PM EST

Follow Us

via Reuters

Coming within inches of making the 2002 Winter Olympics while being 15, Shaun White has come a long way. He qualified for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics and won his first gold medal. But it never stopped right there. The US snowboarding legend bid adieu to his favorite sport today. Coming a long way ever since he made his debut back in the X Games in 2000, White was destined for the top.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Now, after nearly two decades of medals, records, and tricks, White finally says goodbye. Although he could not win a medal in his final Olympic appearance, White won many hearts in Beijing.

Shaun White says goodbye

After scoring a solid 85.00 in his second run, a grand-stand finish awaited him. However, things did not go as planned as he crashed out, despite completing his two clean tricks in the final run. The current crop of snowboarders is some of the best in the world in what they do.

Talented, poised, skilled, Ayumu Hirano is one snowboarder who takes that mantle. Nonetheless, White is someone who cannot be replaced. He spoke about his career in an emotional interview after his final run.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I’m proud of the runs I put down, I’m proud to be here for my final goodbye. Thank you everybody watching, all my friends back home, thank you snowboarding. It’s been my life,” said White.

Bowing out as a three-time Olympic gold medalist, the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 proved otherwise. He will be the one to match for all snowboarders who want to win, however.

VIDEO: Shaun White Cannot Hold Back Tears After Emotional Final Run at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 Halfpipe

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

White gets a standing ovation

Needing a huge score to get to the podium, White tried hard but could not muster up a good performance. Instead, he slid down the halfpipe to a rousing ovation from fans and athletes alike. None would’ve wished to see this day come. But now at 35, age is catching up with White and it’s about time he closes this chapter and moves on to the next one.

via Reuters

Those snowboarding tricks would remain in everybody’s minds as even though he retires today, legends are never forgotten. White is a stunning snowboarder who is the benchmark for every athlete who longs for greatness. For now, and forever, Shaun White will be remembered as the GOAT.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY- Nathan Chen gets gold: U.S. figure skater dazzles to win at 2022 Winter Olympics

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy

1,956Articles

One take at a time

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.
Show More>