Shaun White, a legendary snowboarder, announced his retirement from competitive snowboarding after finishing fourth in the halfpipe event at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Throughout his career, White had won three gold medals at the Olympics dating back to 2006 and had also earned 10 X Games gold medals. Despite his decision to retire, White admitted that the desire to return to snowboarding always lingered in the back of his mind. He spoke about seeking advice from other famous athletes such as Michael Strahan, Michael Phelps, and Tom Brady on how to navigate life after competitive sports. While he is focusing on developing a career outside of competition, White continues to practice tricks and stay involved in the sport through his own brand called White Space.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, White acknowledged that the competitive drive and passion for the sport would always be a part of him. He mentioned that even while watching TV, he would find himself thinking about how he could have performed a certain trick better. Despite this lingering urge to return to competition, White is dedicated to embracing the life awaiting him outside of snowboarding. He shared his conversations with other retired athletes, including Tom Brady’s experience with wanting to come back, and highlighted the importance of celebrating past achievements and moments. White is optimistic about his post-competition future and remains involved in snowboarding through his brand and sponsorship of young riders.
Although White has retired from competitive snowboarding, he continues to stay connected to the sport by practicing tricks, testing products for his brand, and sponsoring young riders. While he may not be competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, he plans to be in Italy to support and cheer on his friends during the Games. White expressed excitement about still being able to ride and have fun on the mountain, despite stepping away from competitive events. He mentioned his involvement in White Space, his brand that focuses on boards and outerwear, as a way to stay connected to the sport and support upcoming talent in snowboarding.
As White transitions into life after competitive snowboarding, he acknowledged the challenges of letting go of the feeling of competition and the desire to return to the sport. He emphasized the importance of celebrating accomplishments and memories from his career while also looking forward to new opportunities and experiences. White’s decision to retire from competitive snowboarding marks a new chapter in his life, but he remains passionate about the sport and continues to share his knowledge and expertise with younger athletes through his brand and sponsorship programs. White looks forward to supporting his friends and fellow riders at future events and remains committed to staying connected to the snowboarding community in various ways.
