On the final run of his charmed Olympic life, Shaun White fell. His board hit the lip of the halfpipe at Genting Snow Park, and the world’s most famous snowboarder tumbled to the snow, eventually riding out to a standing ovation from a crowd of spectators and other riders. The snowboard legend finished fourth in the snowboarding halfpipe final on Friday at Genting Snow Park in the last competition of his storied career.
The 35-year-old White ceded the future to a 23-year-old rider who is hitting bigger and more daring tricks than anyone. Australia’s Scotty James and Switzerland’s Jan Scherrer finished second and third.
It was the second time he has finished fourth in his five Olympics dating from 2006. After his third run, White was visibly emotional, with tears in his eyes as he appeared to say “that’s it”. Speaking to reporters, White said, “This has all had its amazing glow to every single decision and every single competition because I’ve decided this will be my last Olympics. I’ve given it my all. There have been some ups and downs on the way to get here, but through all that, I feel I’ve got stronger [and] gotten better.” Continuing, he said, “In my mind … I’ve decided this will be the last competition.”
