Snowboarding legend Shaun White is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports celebrities around the globe. Everywhere he goes, people adore him. However, the same can’t be said about his fellow snowboarders. Maybe now, but definitely not when he was competing professionally. And perhaps that makes sense. Why would you like someone who is your immediate competition? Apparently, with Shaun, the reason why fellow snowboarders didn’t like him was different.
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When three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White said goodbye to the sport he has dominated for over 20 years, he was in tears. And so were the people who were a part of his incredible journey. When he finished his last run at the Beijing Winter Olympics this year, it marked the end of an era.
Shaun White wasn’t the favorite amongst the snowboarders?
Well, the first probable reason that comes to mind is that he was probably the best in the sport. Though there is more to the story than simple jealousy. According to the American snowboarder Brandon Davis, “The whole snowboarding community doesn’t really like Shaun. He’s apart from everyone. He’s the lone wolf.”
However, elaborating on the reason, authors Justin Peters and Josh Levin wrote, “Even though White is perhaps the best—and certainly the best-known—snowboarder in the world, he has never fit in with the sport’s mellow bro culture, in which everyone gets along and it’s gauche to admit that you care about victory.”
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Shaun refused to let other snowboarders train on his expensive half-pipe
The prominent reason why his fellow snowboarders don’t like him could be the incident that happened before the Vancouver Olympics. As per the reports, the three-time Olympic champion didn’t let other snowboarders train on his expensive half-pipe, since the sponsors specifically designed for him it.
Now that we know that, the hatred from other snowboarders makes sense. However, do you think it was reasonable?
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WATCH THIS STORY- “I Injured My Back…”- Shaun White Reveals the Bitter Truth Behind His Decision to Retire After Beijing Winter Olympics 2022