U.S. Olympic Snowboarder Shaun White Discusses Stepping Out of Retirement

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Shaun White recently spoke with People Magazine about the possibility of competing again in the future, admitting that a return to the Olympics is unlikely—but not impossible.

Since retiring four years ago, White has been the celebrity ambassador for Ralph Lauren, and he's continuing this partnership at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This year's games in Italy will be the first that White has attended without competing, but he's still be there to represent the brand.

Shaun White Will Be Ralph Lauren's Celebrity Ambassador At The Olympics

"Ralph's doing it big," White teased. "And honestly, as someone that's competed at the Olympics and had to wear other sponsored outfits before, by far, Ralph just crushed it when they came in."

The luxury fashion brand has sponsored Team USA since the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and is contracted to keep supplying outfits for the events until at least 2028. The American brand has also created a Team USA collection this year for men, women, and children that captures the spirit of the Olympics for fans to wear at home.

A Return To The Olympics Is Always Possible, White Admits

"It would take a lot of stretching," the athlete joked, "a lot of red light therapy." But ultimately, White was unable to completely rule out a return to the sport in the coming years. After winning three Olympic golds and competing for his country in five Olympic games, White became one of the leading names in American snowboarding and skateboarding.

"It would take some weird breakthrough," he continued. "Like, me seeing something and getting really inspired [...] I don't know, it would take a lot." White has been the ambassador for Ralph Lauren ever since retiring four years ago, and clearly enjoys the new direction that his career is heading.

"I'm just so thrilled to focus on other things than what I've focused on since I was like, seven [years old]," White claimed. However, he admits that he does still miss the "pressure" and "excitement" of competition: "There's not much in my life currently that would make me feel that way."

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Milan, Italy, with events spread across the northern region of the country. The opening ceremony will take place on February 6, with the competition running until February 22.