Shaun White is inarguably one of the best to do it. His record is nothing if not to indicate that the athlete has had a storied career. And not just in terms of the achievements he has had, but rather the fan following he has managed to create. White not only popularized the sport to the public, but he also endeared himself to his fans.

With an electric personality and witty banter aplenty, White has been an entertainer from the moment he burst onto the scene. And while his retirement from the Olympics could mean that we don’t see him ever compete professionally again, he has given us enough memories to last a lifetime. Not the least of which includes his qualifying run to a few days ago.

The snowboarding athlete is clearly one of the top performers of the sport and in the country, and he deserved true recognition for it. With several fans making clear that he was their inspiration to take up the sport, it was hard not to get emotional. White could not finish with a medal in his final run, and while it might ever so slightly eclipse his achievements, his career will shine through bright and whole.

Shaun White and his final run on the half-pipe

White has had a historic run on the half-pipe so far, winning 3 gold medals in 4 Olympics prior to Beijing. His record is enviable. And yet, it remains that White’s retirement meant so much to people all around the country.

However, his final run was eventful, to say the least, with the athlete concluding it and collapsing into tears at the end of his storied career so far.

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

Tugging at our heartstrings too, some fans wanted Shaun to have another go. Even if it was just for “funsies”.

Other fans still were in disbelief about how White could go out without a medal to his name.

Fans did finally come to a consensus and acceptance, though. With several wishes pouring in to wish White on his retirement and stating unequivocally that he was their GOAT.

And just to get a taste of what makes the man so great, perhaps one of Shaun’s most iconic media appearances will tell you why he was such an important part of the cultural zeitgeist. In an interview right after his first win in Torino in 2006, White was still a teenager at the time. With the legal age eluding him, his interview is one of the most quotable pieces of pop culture to date.

Thanks for the memories, Shaun!