Years After Going Candid on Tony Hawk’s Influence, Shaun White Unveils a Unique Side to Their Relationship

Shaun White wasn’t born a champion. He was just another kid who was good at skating and snowboarding. He was molded into a champion through his hard work and unwavering passion for the sport. However, along with his determination, he also followed the guidance of one athlete. In a recent interview, Shaun White, the legendary snowboarder, expressed his deep appreciation for this athlete who had nothing to do with snowboarding but had the biggest influence on his life. That person was none other than skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.

Shaun White met Hawk at a local skate park and instantly hit it off. Hawk steered the young kid in the right direction and became a mentor figure for him. Hawk’s expertise in skateboarding translated into valuable advice and techniques that White applied to both his skating and snowboarding, ultimately propelling him to become an Olympic champion.

Tony Hawk’s impact on Shaun White’s journey to greatness

The three-time Olympic gold medalist has immense respect and love for the American skateboarder. White was afraid to approach Hawk as a kid, but his desire to learn from the best skateboarder pushed him to overcome his fear and reach out to Hawk. Tony Hawk taught him how to keep a mental balance even during challenging times.

In a recent interview with Men’s Health, while speaking about his training routine, White reiterated this lesson he learned from Hawk. White emphasized that maintaining a strong mental balance has been crucial to his success and growth as an athlete. He believes that Hawk’s guidance helped him develop resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

During the Men’s Health interview, later uploaded on YouTube, White said, “I got to meet my hero”. The snowboarding legend gushed while speaking about his idol, who later became his friend. Thereafter, White continued to name some other great athletes who had all taught him something valuable.

Shaun White embracing lessons from heroes

Shaun White walked down memory lane to reveal other notable idols in his life. After Tony Hawk, the other person he could think of who had a significant impact on him was Damian Sanders. He was a professional snowboarder with a “black mohawk” and teeth shaped like fangs. White admired the uniqueness of Sanders and wanted to replicate that in his performance. He remembered Sanders performing “huge layout backflips” and wanted to try out the tricks for himself. He also admired the style of tennis player Andre Agassi and boxer Mike Tyson for the way they finished their games.

Read More: Resurfaced Video of Tony Hawk Bullying Shaun White Goes Viral

Finally, he also mentioned Muhammad Ali, who became his inspiration after White did a school report on him. He said, “I was infatuated with him”. But the biggest inspiration for White came from Tony Hawk, who was a constant presence throughout his childhood and adult life. The 55-year-old skateboarder is still a loved figure in the skating community so many years after his retirement. Recently, teen prodigy and Guinness World Record Holder Gui Khury also claimed Hawk as his idol. Hawk has left an indelible mark on White’s life and is still inspiring the legends of the future.

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