via Getty
ASPEN, COLORADO – MARCH 21: Shaun White of the United States takes a training run for the men’s snowboard halfpipe final during Day 4 the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup at Buttermilk Ski Resort on March 21, 2021 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
via Getty
ASPEN, COLORADO – MARCH 21: Shaun White of the United States takes a training run for the men’s snowboard halfpipe final during Day 4 the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup at Buttermilk Ski Resort on March 21, 2021 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Legendary athletes bring out their A-game when needed the most. That’s what Shaun White did in Laax, Switzerland, as he fought for a chance to script history. As doubt lingered over White’s appearance in Beijing, he shushed the rumors and concerns with his performance. A third-placed finish over the weekend ensured he would get the chance to compete at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics; a fifth historical appearance for White.
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Thus, not only did he receive plaudits from fans and pundits alike, but he also received a beautiful watch from Omega, a Swiss luxury watch brand known for its exquisite creations. Notably, White posted an Instagram story to show off the gift he received from Omega.
Shaun White receives a beautiful gift
With the incredible White getting a rousing ovation from the stands, he received adulation from many people across the sporting world. Not to mention, the 35-year-old is the oldest competitor heading to the half-pipe competition at the Winter Olympics. Acknowledging his greatness, the famous global brand gifted him a beautiful watch.
A stylish golden and black combination, White seemed delighted with the present. He posted an Instagram story of the same.
“Wow! What a beautiful gift for making the Olympic Team. Thank you @omega.”
We’re going to China!!!!!!!!!! What an amazing night. I’m so thankful to be still putting down runs at this point in my career… Thank you to all my fans, friends and family that have supported me for over 20 years!! I love you all!! #5timeOlympian @Olympics pic.twitter.com/VRx3XM02zr
— Shaun White (@shaunwhite) January 15, 2022
Although his spot in Beijing was in doubt, the astonishing Shaun White shut down all the haters with a mesmerizing performance. Notably, the US snowboarding team takes four athletes to compete in the half-pipe competition. With the rumors of being the coach’s discretionary pick on the rise, White did not want to rely on a last-minute chance and qualify on his own merit.
Legends do come alive during moments that matter and that’s exactly what White did. To sum up, winning an Olympic medal in Beijing now would be the only fitting way to bid goodbye to the Winter Games for White.
White ranks third
Keeping it simple throughout his run, White attempted two back-to-back 1080s while also showing his signature Double McTwist 1260. These two tricks were more than enough to land him a score of 84 in the first run. Coming into the competition ranked fourth, White provided a sensational performance to confirm his trip to China.
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Earlier, he talked about retiring from snowboarding after two decades of success. Thus, the Olympics in Beijing would be special for White.
SHAUN WHITE HAS ARRIVED‼️@usskiteam | #LaaxOpen pic.twitter.com/z2REQjEfVi
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) January 15, 2022
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Whether he can win a medal or not remains to be seen. However, as he continues to defy the odds even at 35, he is beyond incredible. Do you think White can win another gold medal at the Winter Olympics next month?
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