Three-time snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White to retire after Beijing Olympics – CBS Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS/AP) – Three-time snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White has made it clear that the Beijing Games won’t just be his last Olympics.

The 35-year-old American is considering retiring from the sport he put on the international map after the halfpipe medal round next week.

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“In my mind, I’ve decided this will be my last competition,” he said.

White has been a transcendent force for snowboarding and its most recognizable face for nearly two decades. And not just because of the mop of red hair that inspired his nickname. Those locks have since been cut and White is now a seasoned statesman for the sport. He is participating in his fifth Olympic Games after a difficult and injury-ridden season.

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“I kind of pinch myself, being lucky to still be here at that age,” he said in a thoughtful 45-minute press conference.

Known as the Flying Tomato for his red hair and daring half-pipe moves, White is also an actor, musician, and video game designer. He is 35 years old and has been snowboarding since he was 6 years old.

He will retire after the medal round next Friday.

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