Snowboarding icon Shaun White embraced the winter conditions in New York City on Sunday, taking advantage of the significant snowfall to hit impressive jumps in Central Park. The legendary athlete joined numerous New Yorkers who ventured out to enjoy the rare powder day that blanketed the iconic urban greenspace.
Olympic Champion Takes to the Park
Over eleven inches of snow accumulated in Central Park as the winter storm swept through the city, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. White, who retired from professional competition in 2022, brought his snowboard to the Cedar Hill section of the park near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrating that his skills remain sharp despite stepping away from Olympic competition.
Comedic Company and Daring Stunts
Joining the three-time Olympic gold medalist was comedian Shane Gillis, who had performed at Madison Square Garden earlier in the weekend. The pair, along with Gillis's 'Tires' co-star Chris O'Connor, created memorable moments in the snowy landscape that captured the attention of dozens of spectators enjoying the unusual winter weather event.
At one particularly daring moment, White executed a clean jump over the heads of Gillis and O'Connor as they sat smiling in front of a freshly-constructed snow ramp. The Olympic champion soared through the air before landing smoothly on the other side, showcasing the technical precision that made him a snowboarding legend.
Social Media Buzz and Additional Tricks
Videos of the stunt quickly circulated on social media platforms, with one Instagram caption reading 'Only in NYC' to capture the unique nature of the scene. White wasn't finished with just one impressive maneuver – he also pulled off a front flip to enthusiastic cheers from the gathered crowd, demonstrating his continued athletic prowess.
Post-Retirement Fun
The Central Park snowboarding session represents some lighthearted fun for White, who won't be competing in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. The athlete, now 39 years old, concluded his professional career after finishing fourth at the Beijing Games in 2022, which marked his final professional competition.
Despite his retirement from competitive snowboarding, White's spontaneous appearance in Central Park during the snowstorm provided New Yorkers with an unexpected spectacle and reminded fans of his enduring connection to winter sports culture. The scene offered a rare convergence of Olympic-level athleticism and urban winter recreation that captured the spirit of the city's response to significant snowfall.
