“Had Never Cried So Hard”: Shaun White Reveals What His Comeback Win Meant to Him in 2018

After losing out on the gold medal at the 2014 Olympics, Shaun White was heartbroken. However, the two-time Olympic gold medalist knew it was not the end of the road just yet.

In 2018, White made a heroic comeback to the Winter Games, despite going through the worst crash ever in the same season. As he now prepares for his last Olympic run, Shaun reflected back on his 2018 appearance.

White did the same trick for gold that cost him 62 stitches

At 35, Shaun is eyeing his last Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics. As he looks up to his last challenge, White is throwing back to his Olympic innings at PyeongChang 2018.

White posted on Instagram, revealing, ”It’s my fourth Olympics, I’m the last competitor to go, and it’s my third and final run. After failing to hit the podium at the previous Olympics in Sochi, I was devastated… but over four years, I was able to find my love for the sport again and this was my big comeback.”

“Earlier in the season, I had a terrible crash that left me in the hospital for a week with 62 stitches in my face and severe pulmonary contusions. I knew to win; I had to do a run that I had never landed before that included the same trick that put me in the hospital.”

Further reflecting on how he felt in the moment, he said, ”The pressure was stifling and I could feel the tension of the crowd. I had never heard a venue so silent in anticipation of my run. After putting down what I think is one of the best performances of my career, the score came in. I just lost it. I had never cried so hard at a competition before. The overwhelming joy was just too much.”

Can Shaun White win the Olympic Gold in Beijing?

Back in 2014, everyone thought it was the end of his career; however, he still made an incredible comeback in 2018. During the 2022 Olympic qualifiers, White struggled throughout but did not lose hope till his last match. Notably, in the last match, he secured the podium place and his last Olympic berth.

Shaun White is no stranger to unimaginable success and impossible feats. Hence, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Shaun create history in Beijing and win the Olympic gold at his last run. Are you looking forward to White’s last dance next month?

Read More: “More Calculative Practice Sessions”: Shaun White Reveals His Training Regimen as a 35-Year-Old at Beijing Olympics 2022