Image by Rakeen, Age 10, Grade 5, Wellington, Florida
Shaun White is a professional snowboarder and skateboarder. He was born as Shaun Roger White on September 3, 1986 in San Diego, California. Shaun was born with a congenital heart defect. Before the age of five, Shaun had two cardiac surgeries. Shaun White first got into skateboarding at the age of 6, his mother told him to slow down by ordering him to only board backwards or switch. That helped him start his career.
Shaun White was inspired to by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. Shaun met Tony Hawk at the age of 9. In 2006, Shaun won first place at the Dew Action Sports Tour’s Right Guard Open in skateboarding. Shaun was the only skateboarder to land the body varial front-side 540.
Shaun White has competed in the Winter X-Games since 2002, winning 8 medals, which include the first four-peat by a male athlete in only one discipline, slope-style. Shaun won the gold medal in the men’s halfpipe during the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy in 2006 and again during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada in February. Shaun White is also known for his red hair. He’s called “The Flying Tomato” and “II Pomodoro Valante” in Italy, where he is very popular.
Shaun White signed his first sponsorship for Burton snowboards when he was 6. Shaun has many sponsors and promotional projects he is working on, including a snowboarding video game and a clothing line.
Shaun White is my favorite snowboarder because he was the one who inspired me to start snowboarding. I have been to many places, including Stratton Mountain in Vermont. Another reason why Shaun White is my favorite snowboarder, is because when I see Shaun White it makes me want to get up and go play outside. I think of how cool it would be to meet Shaun White in person. I have a dream of being as good of a snowboarder as he is. That would be utterly awesome!