The three-time Olympic gold medalist went viral after launching over actors Shane Gillis and Chris O’Connor during the impromptu snowboarding session.
WASHINGTON — A winter storm continued to blanket much of the country with snow, sleet and freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions Sunday. But in New York City, the weather also set the stage for an unexpected moment of fun.
Snowboarding legend Shaun White made a surprise appearance in Central Park, where he performed tricks in the fresh snow as a crowd gathered to watch. In a video shared on social media, the three-time Olympic gold medalist is seen launching over actors and comedians Shane Gillis and Chris O’Connor as they sat bundled up on the ground.
Gillis later posted a photo of the moment on Instagram, capturing White midair above him and O’Connor while onlookers cheered.
White’s impromptu appearance comes just a week before the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where he will return to the Games in a new role. Four years after retiring from competition, the 39-year-old will head to Italy as an expert commentator for NBC Sports.
White is expected to attend a wide range of events, including the Opening Ceremonies.
“This is all an exciting time for me, from announcing and being a part of the Olympics in this new way,” White told Olympics.com. “I am excited to take it all in. See the different events like ice skating, skiing, half pipe, big air, obviously snowboarding. I’m just going try to see everything honestly, that’s my goal.”