How Shaun White Found a Winning Partner in Nina Dobrev

How Shaun White Found a Winning Partner in Nina Dobrev

As I delve into the heartwarming tale of Nina Dobrev and Shaun White, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy for their wintery adventures and ocean romps! Their bond seems to be as strong and unbreakable as the snowboard under White’s feet.


Giving sufficient time to dating in Hollywood will provide you with strategies on handling situations when a romantic relationship takes an unexpected turn.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can’t help but share my own approach inspired by the jet-setting lifestyle of Nina Dobrev. Born in Bulgaria and raised in Canada, this versatile actress has truly embraced the spirit of wanderlust. In an interview with Cosmopolitan back in 2018, she admitted to being a global nomad: “I’ve been kind of all over.”

When she’s not working, she has no fixed schedule at all – she’s the type who gives her all in both work and play. She said, “I give it 130% whether I’m working or playing,” and added that the desire to travel intensifies when she’s going through a breakup. When asked for her breakup advice, she suggested buying a plane ticket, having a drink of tequila, and spending time with girlfriends as her go-to strategy.

Though having a promising new romantic prospect tag along works as well. 

At the beginning of 2020, exactly three months after concluding a year-long relationship with director Grant Mellon, the actress embarked on a fresh journey in South Africa.

It appeared nothing unusual as she uploaded photos from her adventure at Cheetah Outreach and a morning hike up Lions Head Mountain. However, as she kept posting pictures from her safari vacation, some astute followers remarked that Olympic athlete Shaun White seemed to be replicating the actress’ trip on his social media, even matching her with an identical artsy, sunrise picture in Kruger National Park.

How Shaun White Found a Winning Partner in Nina Dobrev

Initially, it might not be apparent that “The Vampire Diaries” actor, aged 35, and the three-time Olympic gold medalist, who celebrated his 38th birthday on September 3, would make ideal travel companions or a successful pair. However, after nearly five years together, Dobrev’s friends are wholeheartedly cheering them on.

After dating Ian Somerhalder, her TVD co-star, for three years and subsequent relationships with actors Austin Stowell, Glen Powell, and filmmaker Mellon, a source shared with TopMob News in March 2020 that Shaun is different from the men Nina has been involved with before. Her friends are happily surprised by this change.

Dobrev and White are overjoyed that their casual acquaintance, which started as a “let’s see where this goes” situation, has grown into a serious relationship. This unexpected development came about when they celebrated New Year’s Eve 2020 together in Las Vegas, introduced by mutual friends.

According to a source speaking with TopMob News, they initially took their time developing the relationship. However, when quarantine began, the lack of work and social events left them with ample time together. The source added, “The pace of things has significantly picked up during this period of social distancing.”

After accomplishing several significant landmarks together (such as our first Thanksgiving, exchanging gifts during Christmas, and a major home renovation), there remains only one substantial milestone left on the horizon.

According to a source who spoke to TopMob News towards the end of 2020, they are deeply smitten and adorable as a couple. They often discuss their shared future and are simply overjoyed. Everything seems to be going great for them at this moment.

Which, maybe we should have seen this coming?  

Since she wasn’t referring to the 11-time ESPY winner when she outlined her ideal partner in an interview with Cosmo back in 2013, stating “You either have chemistry or you don’t, but what draws me is a man’s intellect, wit, and skill,” it might be someone with an impressive collection of awards like the record-breaking 15 gold medals from X Games.

Additionally, the actress admired a man who was well-dressed and neatly groomed, she expressed, “I also find myself drawn to the casual, disheveled charm of someone who looks like they’ve just woken up, with a hint of stubble, an air of carelessness that suggests they’re not trying too hard but still exudes sexiness.”

How Shaun White Found a Winning Partner in Nina Dobrev

Dobrev checks off White’s boxes as well. 

In the year 2018, during his Olympic competition, the athlete spoke with People magazine about how he and Sarah Barthel, a rocker from Phantogram, managed their relationship despite being in different spheres. He stated, “Because we inhabit distinct realms, it’s wonderful to unite and exchange tales from our journeys.” Notably, Dobrev is an experienced snowboarder, but she won’t be offering feedback on White’s Double McTwist 1260.

White also expressed gratitude towards individuals who not only understand but embody his nomadic way of life. He commented, “It’s refreshing not to hear someone asking, ‘When will you return home?'” highlighting his appreciation for those who share his sense of being constantly on the move.

It’s possible he may have discovered a forgiving and adventurous match in Dobrev. Interestingly, their compatibility goes beyond busy careers and well-traveled passports. An insider shared with TopMob News that Nina and Shaun have many common traits: they are both optimistic, outgoing individuals who love spending time outdoors and staying active.

And while Dobrev can’t exactly lay claim to three Olympic gold medals, she does know how to shred. 

She shared that she has been snowboarding since she was very young during her appearance on TopMob’s Daily Pop in 2022. Initially, she learned skiing, but around the age of 8 or 9, she transitioned to snowboarding instead.

For the first time on the slopes, it turned out to be an enjoyable surprise when White found that I had already left him far behind! She confided this, saying, “He thought he’d be waiting for me, but it was quite the opposite. I had already sped past him by a great deal.” Now, I can match his pace!

That moment checked off a big box for White. 

In an interview with TopMob News in May, he mentioned that she is exceptionally skilled on a skateboard. He added that since she was raised in Canada, it was advantageous as her ability to ride could potentially strengthen their relationship. However, he cautioned that if someone couldn’t ride, their partnership might not work out due to his occasional shortcomings as a coach.

Thankfully, he’s proven to be a top-notch teammate.

Without intending to, the couple accidentally revealed their relationship in March 2020. A shared bike ride in Malibu exposed them, leading them to abandon any attempts at hiding. They both started posting about their joint spring journey, which they dubbed a “#QuaranTrip,” traversing Lake Powell, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona’s Red Rock State Park, as well as their July 4 snowboarding vacation.

By the end of May, they had completely removed the band-aid, offering fans a glimpse into Nina Dobrev’s hairdressing abilities through their first joint post on Instagram. As TopMob News was informed by an insider, “Nina doesn’t share her personal life lightly.” This action demonstrates just how content and secure she feels with Shaun and their relationship, as she is prepared to make this step.

How Shaun White Found a Winning Partner in Nina Dobrev

The chemistry Dobrev referred to is definitely present, as demonstrated by their romantic outing in Mexico’s ocean last August – a scene that included a back ride and passionate kiss, reminiscent of popular romantic comedy montages.

According to a source, Nina and Shaun get along splendidly because they share a lively spirit and are easygoing individuals who enjoy a good chuckle together.

Moreover, they’re incredibly supportive. Despite COVID restrictions preventing Dobrev from attending her partner’s fifth and final Olympic Games in Beijing, she still managed to bid him a heartfelt goodbye. On the Today show, he enthusiastically shared his experience, saying, “My farewell to China was simply stunning.” “She created an incredible video of all my friends and family,” he added, truly amazed.

She expressed her enthusiasm for him during her interview on TopMob’s Daily Pop, stating, “It’s such a tremendous achievement just to make it to the Olympics once, but five times? That’s absolutely amazing! I couldn’t be happier or more proud of him!”

How Shaun White Found a Winning Partner in Nina Dobrev

It’s a love he could feel all the way in China. 

In an interview on Today, I expressed my regret by saying, “I truly wish she could have been here with me.” She had been making every effort to join us secretly. Despite that, her unwavering support and incredible kindness have always been a constant source of strength for me. She has been right there by my side, cheering me on at every step.

(This story was originally published on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 at 12 a.m. PT.)

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2024-09-03 10:18