Shaun White, the renowned former Olympic snowboarder, is celebrating a transformative phase in his life following his retirement from the competitive circuit. At 39 years of age, White is shifting his focus towards philanthropy and business, embracing a new purpose as he approaches his milestone 40th birthday.
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For three decades, White poured his energy into fostering his personal career, working tirelessly to secure victories in snowboarding competitions that culminated in three Olympic gold medals. “For the longest time it was about me,” he reflected in a recent conversation, noting how he became adept at the competitive mindset necessary to excel in his sport. However, he is now discovering the joys of collaboration and community involvement. “Now, I’m in this really beautiful place of like, ‘How can I work with others, and how do we do things together?’”
In this new chapter, White has prioritised the importance of giving back. He is actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly through an initiative called America Gives, which aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by encouraging charitable contributions nationwide. “I want to get people excited about giving back, and just celebrate the U.S. turning 250,” White stated, expressing his desire to inspire others to engage with their local communities.
Among the causes close to his heart is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he spent time as a child. “I was a Boys & Girls Club kid when I was growing up,” he shared, recalling how the organisation played a crucial role in his upbringing. His parents worked long hours, leaving him in need of a safe place to spend his time. Initially reluctant, White ultimately embraced the experience and attributes much of his positive development to the Club. “I learned sports there, I made friends there… it kept me out of trouble.”
Recently, White visited a chapter of the Boys & Girls Club in New York City, an experience he described as incredibly rewarding. “We pulled up and all the kids were in the gymnasium, and I was like, ‘Alright, who can skate?’” he recounted, involving both kids and staff in a fun skateboarding session. He believes that giving back is akin to the camaraderie found in sports, with the joy of community involvement being universally appealing. “There’s something about being part of a group like that, being a part of your community that really feels like a calling.”
Beyond his charitable commitments, White has also ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2021, he co-founded Whitespace, a snowboarding gear company, alongside his brother Jesse. This initiative has allowed him to channel his passion for the sport into supporting the next generation of athletes. “We design all the gear, and I product test it, and now we’re starting to see young people using our products on the mountain,” he shared, expressing enthusiasm at the prospect of contributing to budding talent.
White’s fulfilment comes from seeing young snowboarders prosper using products created by Whitespace. He enjoys the personal connection that comes from mentoring, providing travel support, and witnessing the impact of his work on these young athletes’ lives. “It’s like it’s come full-circle,” he noted with a sense of pride.
As he approaches his 40th birthday, White is contemplating how to celebrate this significant milestone. He admits that he is not particularly keen on extravagant birthday parties, favouring simplicity and intimacy instead. “I’m trying to figure out a fun 40th, but I don’t know! I’m not Mr. Birthday,” he said, adding that he anticipates a relaxed gathering with friends.
Now, with a wealth of experience and newfound perspective, Shaun White is looking ahead with excitement. Embracing collaboration, community, and philanthropy, he is eager to navigate this new chapter of his life and encourage others to join him on this path. “I’ve done a lot. I’ve learned a lot. So I’m just excited for all of it,” he concluded, embodying a spirit of optimism as he embarks on his journey beyond competitive snowboarding.