Shaun White, the iconic snowboarder, is gearing up for his first Winter Olympics attendance since retiring in 2022. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the three-time gold medalist shared his mixed emotions about returning to the Games as a spectator. White expressed feeling a bit nervous about the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, where he won’t be competing but instead cheering on his fellow athletes.
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The 38-year-old athlete, known for his impressive career in snowboarding, mentioned his plans to be present at the Winter Olympics to support his Whitespace athletes who will be competing in the Games. While discussing his feelings about the upcoming event, White shared, “I mean, I’m kind of nervous. This is my first Olympics where I’m just going to go spectate.” Despite his nerves, White is looking forward to the experience and anticipates some nostalgic sentiments as he watches the competition unfold in Milan-Cortina.
Since retiring, White has been keeping busy with his new competitive sports league, The Snow League. He expressed his excitement for the league’s upcoming competition in China, where Olympic athletes will participate before heading to the Winter Olympics. The event will serve as a preview of the talent and excitement to come at the Games, adding to White’s eagerness for the winter sports spectacle.
As White prepares to embrace his role as a spectator at the Milan-Cortina Games, he acknowledges the shift from competitor to supporter. He shared, “I’m going to be on this side of the fence now cheering for these other athletes.” Despite the change in perspective, White is optimistic about the experience and believes that watching the athletes compete will bring him joy, even though he might miss certain aspects of his own competitive days.
Reflecting on his Olympic journey, White recounted his debut at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, where he clinched his first gold medal in the men’s halfpipe event at just 19 years old. His subsequent victories at the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2018 Pyeongchang Games solidified his legacy as one of the most exceptional snowboarders in history. The closure he needed to retire came after his final gold win in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
White’s resilience and dedication to his sport have been evident throughout his career, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike. As he prepares to witness the Winter Olympics from a different vantage point, his journey continues to be a testament to his passion for snowboarding and the Olympic spirit. Fans eagerly await his presence at the upcoming Games, where White’s legacy and impact on winter sports will surely be celebrated once again.