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”It’s Taken a Toll”: Shaun White Emotionally Hints at Retirement After Beijing Olympics 2022

Published 12/16/2021, 7:30 AM EST

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Winter Olympics icon Shaun White was six when he started his snowboarding journey. Sadly, though, after a glorious career in the snow, Shaun now intends on calling it quits. 35-year-old White is ready to hang his boots following his final appearance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

White has clinched a record-breaking three Olympic gold medals during his illustrious career. Notably, he is aiming for his fourth medal in what will be his fifth and final appearance at the Winter Games next year.

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Being ‘Superhuman’ has not been easy for Shaun White

Being a world-renowned entity might seem exciting; however, it’s not all glitter and gold. Shaun has always been regarded as the perfectionist in the air, one who amazes the world with his magical moves. The Olympic gold medalist, who is currently competing to clinch his 2022 Winter Olympics berth, opened up on the same, while making a huge announcement as well.

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On the Today’s show, as he stuttered in his words with teary eyes, Shaun said, ”I haven’t really said this too much, so it’s going to feel weird coming out of my mouth, but this is, I think, my last run. It’s hard to talk about because my whole life I’ve kind of been looked at as somewhat superhuman, because I do these things (in the halfpipe). I’ve prided myself on being that individual.”

 

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He further added, ”And, man, realizing and admitting to myself and everyone else, ‘yeah, I’m human’ – it’s taken a toll.”

‘Flying Tomato’ yet to qualify for Beijing Olympics 2022

In the initial qualification matches for the Olympic seat, Shaun failed to secure a berth for himself. However, he still has two chances left to make history. He will now compete at the Dew Tour at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, next week.

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Regardless of Shaun’s appearance in Beijing, the Winter Olympics star remains a legend. Notably, Shaun has overcome life-threatening injuries throughout his career, to always secure his place on the podium.

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As fans remain hopeful of his return, all eyes will turn to Beijing next year. Will Shaun White have his last dance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics? We wait and watch.

“I Was Drowning”: Shaun White Recalls Nearly Dying After a Horrific Snowboarding Accident

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Written by:

Shreya Verma

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Shreya Verma is a US Sports writer at EssentiallySports. A post-graduation student in political science, Shreya is also a professional 10m air pistol shooter. Taking after her athlete father, she was naturally inclined towards the athletic life.
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