American snowboarder Shaun White has announced that he will retire after the Beijing Games, calling the time for an illustrious career.
The 35-year-old has won three halfpipe Olympic gold medals since his Games debut in Torino 2006, adding 13 titles at the Winter X Games to become one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
“This will be my last competition, which is very special,” White told the media in Zhangjiakou, China on Saturday.
“There’s this extra zest in everything. Last time I’m doing this [pre-race press conference], last time sitting with you guys [his USA teammates]The last opening ceremony, all these things.
“So it’s beautiful, very heavy, but I’m enjoying it.”
White won the gold medal at his first Games in Italy before adding his second in Vancouver four years later.
A bad training accident in 2017 – which required White to have 62 stitches – jeopardized the American’s hopes at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018, but he made a quick recovery to win his third gold. “Display of His Life” After just four months.
In doing so, he avenged the pain of missing out on a medal in Sochi four years earlier.
As he prepares to compete in his fifth and final Games, White reflects on his journey, an “incredible” opening ceremony and his legacy.
“I’m giving it my all,” White said. “
“The opening ceremony and venue were incredible. In terms of heritage, I’ve done a lot in the sport – I hope my riding speaks to that. I’m always trying to ride and progress and pick up on trends in the sport And stay ahead of the competition.”
White is set to begin practice on Sunday, and the American shared his excitement at the prospect of competing at the “beautiful” Genting Snow Park.
Although there are signs of a competitive retirement, White does not believe he will leave the sport “anytime soon”.
“I think the beautiful part about snowboarding is that there’s still a life more to the sport outside of competition than you know you don’t see in the limelight,” White said.
“All of these people are within an industry that rides the backcountry and pipes. I’m very excited for the next chapter.”