Shaun White Returns to Olympic Halfpipe at Winter 2026 Olympics

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Shaun White still shreds. 

Oh my gosh, you guys, he’s BACK! Our three-time gold medalist is absolutely killing it at the 2026 Winter Olympics! I was losing it when I saw he was back on the halfpipe at Livigno Snow Park – seriously, seeing him ride again just gives me chills. He took his snowboard out for a spin, and it was EVERYTHING! I can’t even breathe, it’s amazing!

Shaun White expressed his amazement that it’s been two decades since he first competed at the 2006 Torino Olympics, where he won his first medal, according to a video NBC Sports posted on February 12th.

Looking out at the snow-covered course, Shaun thought about life after retiring from competition. He was just 19 years old when he won his first Olympic gold medal in the men’s halfpipe, during his very first Olympic appearance.

You know, it’s been a really emotional experience, honestly. A little sad to see it all come to an end, but mostly just incredibly sweet. I have to admit, a part of me always hoped I’d get the chance to compete at this level, and it’s been amazing just being here. It’s tough to hold back the tears when you see a dream realized, even if it’s a little complicated.

Whether a formal competitor or not, Shaun proved his love for the game hasn’t wavered.

The athlete, visibly emotional, said “That was incredible!” after completing a great run. They added, with longing, “I really miss it.”

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always admired athletes who push their limits, and Shaun White is definitely one of them. He competed at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics – his final Olympic appearance – and finished a very respectable fourth in the halfpipe. Interestingly, he didn’t initially set out for Beijing to be his last competition; it was a decision that evolved as things progressed.

I was so thrilled when he announced in January 2022 that he was aiming to compete in Italy – it would have been amazing to see him finish where it all began! But as he went through training, he realized another four years would be too much, both for his body and his mind. He made it clear that this competition would be his final one, and honestly, while it’s sad, I respect his honesty and dedication so much.

Although Shaun White didn’t compete this year, he still enjoyed the Olympics in a new way. He commentated during the 2026 Opening Ceremony and enthusiastically supported his fellow athletes while watching both the men’s and women’s halfpipe events.

Shaun recently shared his enthusiasm about being involved with the Olympics in a new capacity. “It’s a really exciting time,” he told Olympics.com on February 11th. “I’m looking forward to experiencing everything the Games have to offer – events like ice skating, skiing, and, of course, snowboarding. My goal is to take it all in and see as much as possible.”

Shaun’s having a great time in Cortina, and we’re looking back at some of the biggest highlights from this year’s Olympics…

Figure skater Amber Glenn became emotional after a mistake on her triple loop jump during the women’s short program competition.

Tom Wilson of Canada scuffles with Pierre Crinon of France in a rare Olympic hockey fight.

Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen was overcome with emotion after making history by winning Brazil’s first-ever gold medal at the Winter Olympics, taking the top spot in the men’s giant slalom.

Stevenson Savart, the first Haitian cross-country skier to compete in the Olympics, finished the men’s 10km race to a standing ovation.

Spanish figure skater Tomas Guarino performs his short program dressed as a Minion, inspired by the movie Despicable Me.

A dog wanders onto the track during the women’s team cross country free sprint qualifiers.

Curler Marc Kennedy observed his teammate, Brad Jacobs, putting on lip balm during a men’s round robin game.

Ilia Malinin, the American figure skater nicknamed “Quad God,” surprisingly fell during his free skate performance, which resulted in an eighth-place finish.

German bobsledder Laura Nolte prepares before a training session for the monobob, which is a one-person bobsleigh competition for women.

After the women’s snowboard halfpipe event, Korean snowboarder Gaon Choi took a photo with American Chloe Kim and Japan’s Mitsuki Ono, using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition phone.

Nika Egadze, a figure skater from Georgia, took a photo with Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast, while at the men’s singles figure skating competition.

A cameraman captured U.S. skiers Breezy Johnson and Mikaela Shiffrin embracing after completing their second run in the women’s team combined slalom competition.

Biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot of France playfully posed with the stuffed mascots, Milo and Tina, from the Milan-Cortina Olympics. She received the plushies after winning a silver medal in the women’s 15km individual biathlon competition.

As a little way to stay connected to home, I always admire when athletes use their platform for good. Recently, I noticed skier Dmytro Shepiuk, after a fantastic super-G run, writing a loving message on a sticky note to everyone back in Ukraine. It’s such a simple, heartfelt gesture, and a beautiful reminder of the power of connection, even during competition.

Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto is surprised by her score in the women’s singles free skating team event.

Speedskater Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands cried tears of joy after discovering she’d broken the Olympic record in the women’s 1,000-meter race.

China’s Eileen Gu competes in the women’s freestyle slopestyle—which earned her a silver medal.

After his performance in the men’s singles short program, skater Maxim Naumov held a photo of his parents, who have passed away, close to his heart.

A composite image shows off the many tricks seen in the women’s freestyle slopestyle. 

Figure skater Ekaterina Kurakova of Poland celebrated her performance with teammates, holding up a stuffed pierogi—a popular and well-loved Polish dish.

No, it’s Team Austria’s ski jumper Julia Muehlbacher.

Selina Egle and Lara Michaela Kipp of Austria zoom by during the luge women’s doubles.

The figure skating team who won the event took a selfie with a special Olympic Edition Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 while celebrating on the podium.

As a lifestyle and wellness advocate, I’ve always admired athletes who demonstrate incredible resilience. I recently saw photos of Lindsey Vonn back in training just days after a serious ACL injury – a ruptured ligament, to be exact. She looked completely focused and determined, which is truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t have to define us, and pushing through challenges is possible with dedication.

As a lifestyle and movement enthusiast, I’m always captivated by the grace and athleticism of figure skating. Recently, I watched Alysa Liu, representing the United States, execute a beautiful Biellmann spin during her short program – it was a stunning display of skill and artistry!

Jennifer Dodds of Team Great Britain showed a tense reaction during the curling mixed doubles round robin match against South Korea.

Snoop Dogg,serving as an Olympics correspondent for NBC, tries his hand at curling at a practice.

Evan Bates and Madison Chock, both U.S. figure skaters and a couple in real life, seem perfectly in sync when they perform their rhythm ice dance.

Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to play hockey for the U.S. in the Olympics, competes against Sara Cajanova of the Czech Republic during their game.

Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli embraced Team Czechia’s Jakub Hrones after competing in the men’s snowboard big air qualifying round.

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2026-02-19 21:18