Big Air in Beijing wows White
Legendary American rider Shaun White heaped praise on the Beijing round of the Air+Style FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup, which wrapped up at the Bird's Nest Stadium on Saturday.
"I'm super-impressed today by the men and women's riding," said the 32-year-old White after watching Olympic champion Anna Gasser of Austria claim the women's title and Sven Thorgren of Sweden lift the men's trophy.
"Watching the level improve every year is pretty amazing, but even more was the support from the people. My first trip to China was for Air+Style," added White, who is a shareholder in the global franchise.
"I'm so thankful to Beijing for giving me the opportunity to be here."
A four-time Winter Olympian, White is taking a break from the snow to compete in skateboarding at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games.
He refused to say if he will make a snowboard comeback at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics but enthused: "I'm so excited for the 2022 Games. I am sure they'll be incredible."
Meanwhile, the three-time Olympic halfpipe gold medalist believes the future's bright for Chinese snowboarding despite a disappointing showing at the Bird's Nest, where none of the seven home riders qualified for a final.
"Every single year I come here to see how much the Chinese team has grown and developed," White said.
"I heard some riders were injured during the competition. It's a tough lesson to learn when you get injured.
"A lot of times you come back from injury stronger and more determined. That's what the Chinese team can do.
"They just need to stay focused, believe they can do it and keep getting better. It's gonna pay off."
White became the first male American to take gold at three Winter Olympics earlier this year in Pyeongchang, after previously winning the men's halfpipe at the Turin Games in 2006, and in Vancouver in 2010.
Air+Style Beijing, which debuted in 2010 and was upgraded last year to FIS-A status, was the third stop on the Big Air World Cup this season, featuring over 70 athletes from 23 countries and regions.
