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PYEONGCHANG-GUN, SOUTH KOREA – FEBRUARY 14: Shaun White of the United States celebrates after his third run during the Snowboard Men’s Halfpipe Final on day five of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics at Phoenix Snow Park on February 14, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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PYEONGCHANG-GUN, SOUTH KOREA – FEBRUARY 14: Shaun White of the United States celebrates after his third run during the Snowboard Men’s Halfpipe Final on day five of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics at Phoenix Snow Park on February 14, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
As the days count down quickly, China is preparing to host the Beijing Winter Olympics. Beijing will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. With excitement peaking for the event, fans expect to see top-level athletes perform in their favorite events. One such event is the snowboarding competition where the 35-year-old Shaun White will represent the US for the 5th time at the Olympic Games.
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Despite being 35, he is not the oldest competitor from the US contingent in Beijing.
Shaun White is not the oldest snowboarder heading to Beijing
After an incredible qualifying session at the World Cup event in Laax, Switzerland, White qualified for the Games. But Nick Baumgartner is also heading to the Winter Olympics, and he is 40, which is stunning.
Recently, Rafael Nadal did the unthinkable and claimed his 21st Grand Slam title at 35-years of age, proving that age is just a number. The previous record for the oldest snowboarder was Sondra van Ert, who took part in the 2002 Olympics at the age of 37. She’s set to be replaced in that particular honor by Nick Baumgartner.
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PYEONGCHANG-GUN, SOUTH KOREA – FEBRUARY 14: Shaun White of the United States celebrates after his third run during the Snowboard Men’s Halfpipe Final on day five of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics at Phoenix Snow Park on February 14, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Nick is the highest-ranked American at fifth in the World Cup standings. It would be incredible for the snowboarder to perform to the best of his abilities in China. If he manages a podium finish, it would be the first of his career.
White looking to win
Having announced his retirement before the Olympics, there was a doubt whether White would even qualify for the event. After two disappointing qualifying runs, his place was in jeopardy. But, his determination and passion for his sport are outstanding and he’s on his way to his 5th Winter Olympics.
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PYEONGCHANG-GUN, SOUTH KOREA – FEBRUARY 14: Gold medalist Shaun White of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Snowboard Men’s Halfpipe Final on day five of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics at Medal Plaza on February 14, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
However, like Baumgartner, he would need to pull off his best run against some of the best snowboarders in the world right now. Can White or Baumgartner do the unthinkable and get a podium finish?
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