Shaun White is inarguably one of the best to do it. His record is nothing if not to indicate that the athlete has had a storied career. And not just in terms of the achievements he has had, but rather the fan following he has managed to create. White not only popularized the sport to the public, but he also endeared himself to his fans.
With an electric personality and witty banter aplenty, White has been an entertainer from the moment he burst onto the scene. And while his retirement from the Olympics could mean that we don’t see him ever compete professionally again, he has given us enough memories to last a lifetime. Not the least of which includes his qualifying run to a few days ago.
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The snowboarding athlete is clearly one of the top performers of the sport and in the country, and he deserved true recognition for it. With several fans making clear that he was their inspiration to take up the sport, it was hard not to get emotional. White could not finish with a medal in his final run, and while it might ever so slightly eclipse his achievements, his career will shine through bright and whole.
Shaun White and his final run on the half-pipe
White has had a historic run on the half-pipe so far, winning 3 gold medals in 4 Olympics prior to Beijing. His record is enviable. And yet, it remains that White’s retirement meant so much to people all around the country.
Shaun White was my childhood hero and I am emotional about his retirement, but I am also just so PROUD of him and all that he has achieved. #thankyouShaun
— Alex (@alexmichelle31) February 11, 2022
Everyone in the states watching Shaun White throw it down pic.twitter.com/aAHTvZkLG8
— At The Buzzer (@AtTheBuzzer1) February 9, 2022
Me watching Shaun White’s last Olympic halfpipe run pic.twitter.com/XIBVOBpGtU
— Halloween Horror Hoob 🎃 (@Geeheehe) February 11, 2022
However, his final run was eventful, to say the least, with the athlete concluding it and collapsing into tears at the end of his storied career so far.
We're not crying, you're crying.
OK… we're crying too. 😢 #WinterOlympics | @ShaunWhite | @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/I249AISgpt
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 11, 2022
I cried with him….
— Kristine (@forced2laugh) February 11, 2022
Shaun White after his last ever Olympic halfpipe run. pic.twitter.com/iKz2HhwlN5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 11, 2022
Shaun White gets a standing ovation after his final Olympic event 🙏
What a run. pic.twitter.com/Q9aH4WXT7X
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 11, 2022
Tugging at our heartstrings too, some fans wanted Shaun to have another go. Even if it was just for “funsies”.
can shaun white go again for funsies? cmon he’s crying pic.twitter.com/a0g9Gmm2JT
— adrianna 🐇 (@obviouslyadri) February 11, 2022
it’s starting to sink in that we just watched shaun white’s last run. pic.twitter.com/hoQnQBciv0
— lancey (@__lancey) February 11, 2022
Other fans still were in disbelief about how White could go out without a medal to his name.
Shaun white can’t go out like this my childhood is on the line rn
— Jake (@marchandd01) February 9, 2022
showing me shaun white crying after completing his final snowboarding run is actually a targeted emotional attack by NBC
— the winnipeg jorts 🏳️🌈 no justice no peace (@dadvansss) February 11, 2022
Fans did finally come to a consensus and acceptance, though. With several wishes pouring in to wish White on his retirement and stating unequivocally that he was their GOAT.
What a legend of snow and skate… thanks for doing it right all these years 🐐 @shaunwhite
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) February 11, 2022
whatever the outcome, this is still shaun white’s country and i’m just honored to live in it #olympics #beijing2022 pic.twitter.com/PU95FuqnuY
— jess (@_jmuzz) February 11, 2022
Shaun White, you have been nothing short of an inspiration and a pleasure to commentate your runs over these long years. Your impact on this sport will be felt for its history. Take a bow…you’re the GOAT
— toddrichards (@btoddrichards) February 11, 2022
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And just to get a taste of what makes the man so great, perhaps one of Shaun’s most iconic media appearances will tell you why he was such an important part of the cultural zeitgeist. In an interview right after his first win in Torino in 2006, White was still a teenager at the time. With the legal age eluding him, his interview is one of the most quotable pieces of pop culture to date.
Shaun White just took his last run in the Olympics. He peaked here: pic.twitter.com/F8GrHiSSgr
— Mark (@lebatardshowfan) February 11, 2022
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Thanks for the memories, Shaun!