Shaun White Snowboards in Central Park as Winter Storm Sets Stage for 2026 Olympics
Updated (3 articles)
Nationwide Winter Storm Creates Snowy Backdrop massive winter storm blanketed much of the United States with snow, sleet and freezing rain on Sunday, prompting hazardous travel warnings from authorities. The system deposited fresh snow in New York City, turning Central Park’s pathways white and providing a rare surface for a snowboarding demonstration. Officials cautioned drivers to exercise extreme care on icy roads across the country. The storm’s timing coincided with the surprise event, amplifying public attention [1][2].
Shaun White Executes Snowboarding Stunt Over Comedians The three‑time Olympic gold medalist surprised onlookers by performing a series of snowboarding tricks on the freshly fallen snow in Central Park. He vaulted over comedians Shane Gillis and Chris O’Connor, who were seated on the ground bundled against the cold, while a growing crowd cheered. A video captured on smartphones circulated widely on social media, and Gillis later posted an Instagram photo showing White mid‑air above both comedians. The stunt highlighted White’s enduring skill and generated immediate viral buzz [1][2].
White to Join NBC Sports as 2026 Olympic Commentator Four years after retiring from competition, White will serve as an expert commentator for NBC Sports at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. He is slated to attend the Opening Ceremonies and cover a range of events, including ice skating, skiing, half‑pipe, big‑air and snowboarding. In an interview with Olympics.com, he described the new role as “an exciting time” and said he plans to “see everything honestly.” This marks his first official media involvement with the Olympics [1][2].
Stunt Occurs One Week Before Opening Ceremonies The Central Park performance took place roughly seven days before the Games’ opening ceremony, positioning it as a high‑profile promotional moment. Media outlets noted the timing amplified anticipation for the upcoming international event. The spectacle succeeded in drawing both sports fans and the general public into the Olympic conversation [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS: Shaun White Snowboards in Central Park Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics: Highlights the winter storm backdrop, White’s aerial launch over comedians, and his quoted excitement about joining NBC’s broadcast team for the Milano Cortina Games .
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[2]
King5: Shaun White Snowboards in Central Park Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics: Emphasizes the Instagram photo shared by Shane Gillis, the hazardous travel conditions, and the stunt’s timing a week before the opening ceremonies, underscoring its promotional impact .
Timeline
2022 – Shaun White retires from competitive snowboarding, ending his halfpipe career after three Olympic gold medals and bows out with a farewell event in China that later serves as the backdrop for Snow League’s debut [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – White leads Snow League as it closes a funding round totaling roughly $15 million from investors such as Fenway Sports Group and 359 Capital, securing larger prize purses and long‑term viability [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – Snow League adopts an elimination‑bracket format for halfpipe, swapping traditional scoring for best‑of‑three head‑to‑head runs, and announces Olympic champion Ayumu Hirano and gold‑medalist Eileen Gu as headline athletes for the freeski segment [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – White confirms he will attend the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics as a VIP and serve as an NBC Sports commentator, marking his shift from rider to broadcaster and promising an emotional presence at the men’s halfpipe final [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – At a youth snowboarding camp, White tells aspiring riders they “probably will” join Snow League, emphasizing his mission to nurture the next generation of Olympic talent [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – A massive winter storm blankets much of the United States with snow, sleet and freezing rain, prompting hazardous travel warnings and depositing fresh snow in New York City [2].
Jan 26, 2026 – White stages a surprise snowboarding showcase in Central Park, performing tricks on the fresh snow and launching over comedians Shane Gillis and Chris O’Connor, a stunt that quickly goes viral on social media [2].
Jan 26, 2026 – In an interview with Olympics.com, White calls his upcoming Olympic role “an exciting time for me,” adding he will “see everything honestly” across ice skating, skiing, half‑pipe, big‑air and snowboarding events [2].
Early Feb 2026 (Opening Ceremonies) – White is slated to join NBC’s broadcast team for the Milano‑Cortina Games, providing expert commentary across multiple disciplines and attending the Opening Ceremonies as part of his new Olympic involvement [2].
2026 (future) – White teases a possible Snoop Dogg appearance on NBC telecasts as part of Snow League’s media push, indicating ongoing efforts to broaden the sport’s audience [1].