How Old is Shaun White?

Shaun White, often referred to as the “Flying Tomato” for his distinctive red hair, is one of the most iconic snowboarding athletes of all time. Known for his unparalleled achievements in snowboarding and skateboarding, White has solidified his place as a legend in action sports. But how old is Shaun White, and what milestones have shaped his remarkable career?

Let’s explore his birthdate, career highlights, and personal life to answer this question and understand the age-related journey of one of the most famous extreme sports athletes.

Shaun White’s Birthdate and Early Life

Shaun Roger White was born on September 3, 1986, in San Diego, California, to parents Cathy and Roger White. His father was a former veteran, and his mother worked in the nursing field. Shaun, along with his older brother and sister, was raised in the suburbs of San Diego.

He was born with a heart defect and had to undergo two open-heart surgeries as a young child, which didn’t stop him from developing into an incredibly talented athlete. White’s early years were also influenced by his mother’s passion for surfing, which played a significant role in him developing an affinity for board sports.

Growing up in California, Shaun White had easy access to the skate parks and snowboarding slopes, which allowed him to discover his love for both sports. By the age of six, White was already skateboarding and, by the age of nine, he started snowboarding in the Mammoth Mountains in California.

How Old Is Shaun White Today?

Since Shaun White was born on September 3, 1986, we can calculate his age as of January 2025:

• 2025 – 1986 = 39 years old

So, Shaun White is 38 years old as of 2025. Even though he is no longer in his 20s, White continues to remain a prominent figure in the action sports community and has transitioned into new ventures outside of professional snowboarding.

Shaun White’s Snowboarding Career

Shaun White’s career in snowboarding started when he was young, and he quickly made a name for himself on the competitive scene. He participated in his first professional snowboarding contest at the age of 13, and it wasn’t long before he was dominating the sport.

White’s rise to fame came in the early 2000s when he began competing in major snowboarding competitions like the Winter X Games, the FIS Snowboard World Cup, and the Winter Olympics. His unique style and tricks, particularly his ability to execute the difficult double McTwist 1260 and other high-flying maneuvers, set him apart from his peers.

Key Career Milestones:

• 2006 Winter Olympics (Turin, Italy): Shaun White made his Olympic debut and won the gold medal in snowboarding halfpipe at just 19 years old.
• 2010 Winter Olympics (Vancouver, Canada): White defended his title and won another gold medal in the halfpipe event, solidifying his dominance in the sport.
• 2014 Winter Olympics (Sochi, Russia): White earned a bronze medal in the Sochi Olympics, marking another successful chapter in his career despite facing fierce competition.
• 2018 Winter Olympics (Pyeongchang, South Korea): White won his third gold medal in snowboarding halfpipe, becoming one of the most decorated athletes in Winter Olympic history.

Over the years, Shaun White has racked up three Olympic gold medals, one Olympic bronze medal, and multiple X Games gold and silver medals, making him one of the most successful and decorated snowboarding athletes of all time.

Shaun White’s Transition into Skateboarding

In addition to snowboarding, Shaun White is also a highly skilled skateboarder. He began skateboarding at the age of six and, by the age of 13, had become a professional skateboarder. His skateboarding career was a major part of his success as it complemented his snowboarding career, especially with tricks that transfer well between the two sports.

White’s accomplishments in skateboarding include:

• Multiple X Games gold medals in skateboarding.
• Competing at the highest level in the vert and street skateboarding competitions.

Though his skateboarding career took a backseat to snowboarding in his early years, White has continued to be an influential figure in the skateboarding world, even after transitioning to full-time snowboarding.

Shaun White’s Retirement from Competitive Snowboarding

In 2022, at the age of 35, Shaun White announced that he would retire from competitive snowboarding after the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. While he didn’t win a medal at the Beijing Olympics, his retirement marked the end of an era in competitive snowboarding. White left behind a legacy of pushing the boundaries of the sport, revolutionizing the way the halfpipe event is performed, and inspiring generations of snowboarders to come.

Although retired from competitive snowboarding, White continues to remain active in the sport through exhibitions, brand partnerships, and other ventures.

Shaun White’s Post-Snowboarding Ventures

Since his retirement, Shaun White has ventured into various new projects. He’s taken on roles as a businessman, entrepreneur, and media personality, capitalizing on his fame to explore new opportunities outside of snowboarding.

1. Branding and Partnerships: White has built an impressive portfolio of brand partnerships. He has collaborated with companies like Burton, GoPro, Target, and Red Bull.
2. Music and Media: White has dabbled in music and has expressed interest in media projects. His career outside of sports has led to appearances on TV shows and in films. He even appeared in the 2018 movie “Game Changer” and participated in various reality shows.
3. Product Line: White launched his own clothing line and merchandise, expanding his reach beyond just sports and into fashion.
4. Advocacy and Philanthropy: Throughout his career, White has been actively involved in charity work, particularly in initiatives that support underprivileged youth and promote snowboarding to a wider audience.

Shaun White’s Legacy

At 38 years old, Shaun White has already solidified his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the world of snowboarding and skateboarding. His contributions to action sports, particularly in terms of innovation and performance, have left an indelible mark on both industries.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, White has managed to stay relevant in the media and business world, further extending his influence. His fearlessness and ability to overcome challenges, both in sports and in life, have made him a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Conclusion: Shaun White’s Age and Continued Influence

Born on September 3, 1986, Shaun White is 38 years old in 2025. Even though he retired from competitive snowboarding after a legendary career, his influence remains strong. White continues to inspire athletes, business professionals, and fans alike with his story of perseverance, success, and reinvention.

Through his Olympic gold medals, X Games victories, and groundbreaking contributions to snowboarding, Shaun White has proven that age is no barrier to leaving a lasting impact. As he moves forward into his post-competition career, it’s clear that Shaun White’s legacy will continue to inspire for many years to come.