With the 2018 Olympics all wrapped up, we thought now would be the perfect time to take a look at one of the Olympics' biggest names. Shaun White is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable faces of the Winter Olympics. However, his success on the snow has wavered in recent years so there was incredible hype surrounding his halfpipe run. What type of gear lead him to the gold during his amazing halfpipe run. We look at his amazing run back to gold and what goggles he used to make it happen.
Shaun White Wearing Anon M3 at the 2018 Winter Olympics (People)
Who is Shaun White?
Shaun White is a USA Olympic Snowboarder as well as a professional skateboarder. He grew up in San Diego, California, and won his first snowboarding competition at the age of six. Even though he suffers from a congenital heart defect, he still turned pro in snowboarding at the age of sixteen. He then began riding for Tony Hawk's pro skateboarding team at the age of seventeen. In 2006, he became a household name when he won a gold medal in halfpipe at the Turin Olympics. Four years later, he repeated as the gold medal winner in the same event at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Road to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
Heading into the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, White was the overwhelming favorite to capture yet another gold medal in the halfpipe. After posting the best score in qualification, White looked destined to continue his reign in the Olympic halfpipe. He then shocked the world when he only posted a 90.25 in the finals and failed to get on the podium. Just days before, White executed a perfect practice run, but couldn't land his frontside double-cork 1440 in his final run. He has always been aggressive in the tricks he attempts in the Olympics and unfortunately he couldn't perform a perfect run. For context, White posted a 95.75 in qualifying and is the only athlete to ever post a perfect 100 twice in any event (X-games, Olympics etc.). White had a long four years to train and get ready for his return in 2018.
The Crash
White has always been an athlete that pushes the limits of what tricks are thrown down on the halfpipe. This aggressive mentality almost cost him a chance to compete at the 2018 Olympics. Back in October while he was training in New Zealand, he fell off a halfpipe ride causing him to get 62 stitches in his face. There was worry that this would affect his chances of competing in the 2018 Olympics, but that worry was put to rest when he was back on the slopes three months later.
The Comeback
After his horrendous fall, White barely qualified for the 2018 Winter Olympics. It was looking eerily similar to Sochi 2014 when White won the qualifying round and headed straight to the finals. He executed a solid first run (94.25) but then failed to put a clean performance during the second round. With all the other athletes completing their third run, White was sitting in silver medal position with one last shot at gold. As the last rider left he had to throw down a score of better than 95.25, held by Japan's Ayumu Hirano. What happened next was a run for the ages. He put together a run of 97.75 and took home gold for the third time in 4 years.
Shaun White wins Gold Medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics (KTLA)
Anon M3
Shaun White was one of the few USA snowboarders to not feature the Oakley Harmony Fade Collection. Instead, White opted for the Anon M3. Anon M3 is one of the goggles in the Anon's Magna-Tech goggle collection. This collection combines their high-speed lens change system to a classic cylindrical goggle design. With the interchangeability, different weather conditions can be dealt with seamlessly. Outlined below are some of the features of the Anon M3.
Anon M3 in Black with Sonar Infrared lens
Shop Anon M3
Features
- Fit: Large
- Cylindrical Lens and Frame
- Magna-Tech Lens Changing System
- Sonar Lens Technology
- Triple Layer Foam
- Magnetic Face Mask
- Low Light and High Light Lenses
- Over the Glasses Compatible
More Olympic Athletes in Anon Goggles
Kelly Clark (USA)
Kelly Clark Wearing Anon M3 at the 2018 Winter Olympics (UPI.com)
Kelly Clark is a USA snowboarder and a five-time Olympian. She competes in women's halfpipe and is a three-time medalist. Her crowning achievement is winning gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. At the 2018 Olympics, she just missed the podium placing fourth wearing the Anon M3.
Ben Ferguson (USA)
Ben Ferguson Wearing Anon M3 at the 2018 Winter Olympics
Ben Ferguson is a USA snowboarder and made his Olympic debut at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Before this, he was a two-time Youth Olympic medalist. This year, he competed with Shaun White in halfpipe and finished just off the podium. His fourth-place finish was just 1.25 points behind the bronze finisher Scotty James (AUS).
Shop Anon M3 and Other Snow Goggles at SportRx
Want to gear up as Shaun White did for the Olympics? Get the Anon M3 and other Olympic goggles in prescription and nonprescription at SportRx. We specialize in quality prescription inserts for any needs you may have. If you have any questions, Contact Us, and our certified opticians will answer any questions you may have! SportRx also offers free shipping and returns on every order if you're not completely happy with it. Expect great service and leave with a great lens here at SportRx.
