“There Was a Lot of Drama”: Shaun White’s Biggest Rival Reflects Back on 2018 Clash as He Gears to Up ‘Lock Horns’ With Him Again

With the Olympic Games approaching quickly, Shaun White is preparing for his last run in the event. A legend across both skateboarding and snowboarding, Shaun is one of the best athletes out there. His incredible determination, dedication, and discipline to his sport fetched him numerous accolades and medals. Thus, he wants to win his fourth Olympic gold medal. But Japanese athlete Ayumu Hirano will be hoping to gain the upper hand over Shaun in their fierce rivalry.

Hirano is arguably the best half-pipe competitor right now and the outright favorite to win. After taking home the silver in the previous two editions of the games, this time, he is ready to go for gold.

“I feel there are similarities between us”: Ayumu Hirano about White

The sensational snowboarder is a two-time silver medalist from the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. He is one of the best in the world and does death-defying tricks on the board. He recently landed the triple cork trick in a competition, becoming the first rider to do so. Just 23, he is ready for the challenge and hopes to have an interesting competition with Shaun White, even adding that he’s looking forward to “locking horns” with the American.

“I want to have no regrets and make sure I give it everything I’ve got. I want to give a performance I can be happy with and express myself. In Pyeongchang, there was a lot of drama — when you’re up against someone it spurs you on, and I think that came across. He likes a challenge, and I feel there are similarities between us in the way we feel and see things,” said Hirano.

This contest would be a must-watch for the rivalry they have. White clinched the gold medal in South Korea, and Hirano was left bewildered. While one has dominated the sport for nearly two decades, the other is on his way to achieving incredible things. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics may be the time that the astonishing Ayumu Hirano comes into the limelight.

Shaun White Admits Snowboarding Took A Toll On His Mental Health in 2014- “I Couldn’t Control the Outcome”

Can Shaun White get past him?

Landing the triple cork is one of the hardest tricks to perform, which Hirano managed with a certain ease. Smooth in his landings and jumps, he is the man to look out for. Thus, White’s last appearance won’t be child’s play.

However, with White, it’s never a good idea to count him out. Do you think White will win his fourth Olympic gold medal or will Hirano go all the way?

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