“I Love Her to Death, More Than Any of This Olympic”: When News About His Physical Therapist’s Cancer Shook Shaun White to the Core

When it comes to snowboarding, Shaun White needs no introduction. He is a five-time Olympian and a three-time gold medalist in halfpipe snowboarding. White also holds the world record for the most X Games gold medals and the most Olympic gold medals won by a snowboarder. He had a celebrated career in snowboarding and retired after the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Currently, White has been focusing on his apparel brand and enjoying his retirement.

Just after the end of his significant career, his physical therapist, Esther Lee, was diagnosed with cancer. It was very hard on White because he relied on her for a long time during his snowboarding career. White broke down in tears as he expressed his emotions towards her harsh situation.

The overflowing emotions of Shaun White

Esther Lee even accompanied Shaun White during his last Olympic run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. “I love her to death, more than any of this Olympics and these sports or any of this stuff,” White said following Lee’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year in February.

White continued, “To have her with me right now, it’s everything, cuz I didn’t really think I was going to have her with me.” As if retiring from his favorite sport wasn’t emotional enough for White, just after that, this tragic news broke the three-time gold medalist. 

Esther Lee was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer which is fatal. It was detected back in 2020 and spread to her spine, liver, and lymph nodes.

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Lee has been supportive of White for a long time, and during her fight against cancer, White did stand up. He was there when she was at her lowest, just like she was with the snowboarding legend.

White still making big decisions after retirement

Shaun White, despite having a significant career in snowboarding, isn’t stopping after retirement. He is going full guns blazing with his new apparel brand!

White is determined to put all his snowboarding experience into his namesake lifestyle brand, “Whitespace.” He isn’t stopping until he has achieved his goals here.

His apparel brand would feature gear and apparel for snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and training, as well as casual streetwear for everyday use.

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White has been an inspiration for a lot of people, being a great Olympian as well as a gentleman off the field. What do you think of the friendship between Shaun White and Esther Lee? Let us know in the comment section.