Shaun White update: In good company
The USOC just announced that four American men have been able to repeat as Winter Olympic champion.
Two have pulled it off at the Cypress Mountain venue at these Vancouver Olympics: Seth Wescott in snowboard cross, and now Shaun White in the halfpipe on Wednesday night. The others were figure skater Dick Button, in 1948 and 1952, and long track speedskater Shani Davis, in 2006 and earlier Wednesday.
White had not yet arrived for his official interview but was his usual quotable self in the mixed zone.
“It feels good,” White said. “Heavy lies the crown.”
Of his dazzling second run: "I felt it was such a miracle run … I just felt like I didn't come all the way to Vancouver not to pull out the big guns. I put down the tricks I've worked so hard on.
“My coach said at the top, ‘Don't do this unless you're gonna stomp it.’ ”
White stomped it ... and the competition.
-- Lisa Dillman, reporting from Vancouver
More photos: Olympics hi-res
Photo: Shaun White reacts after scoring a nearly flawless 48.4 points on his second run in the men's snowboard halfpipe final on Wednesday night at Cypress Mountain. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
Snowboarding is not a sport. It might be fun to watch, you might wish you could do it, but I'm sorry - it isn't a sport.
Posted by: Lou Bricano | February 17, 2010 at 10:31 PM
White KILLED IT on his second run, which he didn't even have to do. It's great to see him elevate this sport and give it the respect it deserves...well done Mr. White!
Posted by: steve | February 17, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Part of the description on the previous picture said, Shaun "easily" won gold.
I don't think there was anything "easy" about his 100% commitment to the sport.
Well done young gun.
Posted by: Canadarm | February 17, 2010 at 11:39 PM
It IS a sport if it requires training and dedication and not everyone can do it. Get over yourself, Lou, and try to win a gold yourself if you think it's not a sport.
Posted by: Me | February 18, 2010 at 11:44 AM