“That’s it, I’m done” – Emotional Shaun White finishes Olympic career medal-less at Beijing Olympics


“That’s it, I’m done” – Emotional Shaun White finishes Olympic career medal-less at Beijing Olympics

Shaun White

American snowboard legend Shaun White bids adieu to the sport as he missed out on a halfpipe medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics on Friday in his final competition. The California native White ended up finishing fourth, as Japan’s Ayumu Hirano claimed gold.

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White, who will retire after the Games, scored 85.00 points to finish off the podium, as Hirano grabbed the top spot in front of Australia’s Scotty James and Switzerland’s Jan Scherrer. The three-time Olympic champion White was in medal contention after completing his first two of three runs. However, he fell when he needed to beat the Swiss snowboarder’s score on his third and final run.

The 35-year-old looked subdued as he slid into the finish area with tears in his eyes, before smiling and waving to the crowd. “It’s been a journey, I’m just so happy and thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” said an emotional White.

“Can’t wait to see where this sport goes”

Shaun White
Shaun White

Shaun White had announced on the eve of his appearance at Beijing 2022 that this would be his last outing, citing “little signs” from his ageing body. The veteran snowboarder went on to say that he is looking forward to seeing how this sport shapes out in future.

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“A lot of emotions are hitting me right now, the cheering from the crowd, some kind words from my fellow competitors at the bottom, I’m so happy.

“Snowboarding, thank you. It’s been the love of my life. It’s been a journey. I can’t wait to see where this sport goes.”

“I wish I could have landed my last run, but I was having some difficulty in my back leg for some reason, it was giving out on every run, I don’t know why,” he said on Friday.

“Maybe it was the pressure, maybe it was just exhaustion.

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“Really challenging, but that’s OK, that’s it, I’m done.

“I’m so thankful for my career, thankful to China for having us.”

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