It wasn’t a gold medal ending for Shaun White’s career, but the snowboarder finished strong in Beijing.
The 35-year-old American and defending gold medalist finished in fourth place in the men’s halfpipe, his last-ever event, with a high score of 85.00. Japan’s Ayumu Hirano won gold with a 96. Australia’s Scotty James won silver with a 92.50, and Switzerland’s Jan Scherrer took bronze.
After White faltered on one of his landings in his first run, he banked a clean score on his second go with an 85.00. That moved him into second place for the time being, but he was bumped down following strong runs by Hirano and James.
On White’s third run, needing to best a 92.50 to move into first and an 87.25 to get into the top three, he hit the halfpipe lip on his second jump, the fall ending his chances of a medal.
White took his helmet off and raised it to the crowd, smiling through deep breaths after he got to the bottom of the run.
Shaun White gets big air during the men’s halfpipe final Reuters
Shaun White said he was not “upset” over the fourth-place finish. Getty Images“That’s it,” he could be heard saying on NBC’s broadcast.
Later, through tears, he gave an emotional goodbye to the sport.
“I’m not upset about the result,” White said on NBC. “… I was just muscling to make it happen. I made it happen for two runs, and the last run, I couldn’t hold on. A lot of emotions hitting me right now. It’s the cheer of the crowd and some kind words from my fellow competitors at the bottom.
Shaun White reacts after his final run in the men’s halfpipe. AFP via Getty Images
Switzerland’s Jan Scherrer hugs White following the American’s final run. AFP via Getty Images
White finished just off the podium in his final event. Getty Images
“I’m so happy.”
Asked about his legacy, White named the 2018 Olympics, in which he won his third gold, as the highlight of his career.
“It’s been such an enjoyable process,” he said. “I’m truly thankful to be there still, competing.”
After hitting a triple cork in what looked to be a flawless second run, Hirano scored a 91.75, below James’ 92.50 — to the surprise of NBC’s announcers and everyone else watching.
That set the stage for a dramatic third go-around, in which Hirano hit the triple cork again, finally getting a 96.00 score to go with it.
White said last week this will be his final Olympics. EPA
White ends his Olympics career as a three-time Gold medalist. AFP via Getty ImagesThe controversy over Hirano’s score on his second run looked like it could be the lasting story from the night, but the high score on his third run put that to rest.
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White came into these Olympics, his fifth, as the underdog and had some drama in the qualifying round after he fell on his first run earlier in the week. Still, he avoided ending his career early and managed a solid performance in the final, though he failed to become the first ever Winter Olympic athlete to win four golds in the same event.
White ends his career as the record-holder for most Olympic golds by a snowboarder with three (2006, 2010, 2018) and the most X Games gold medals.
Taylor Gold, an American from Steamboat Springs, Colo., proved competitive with an 81.75 on his first run before faltering on his second and third tries to fall out of medal contention.
