Here’s something you don’t see every day: One of the all-time snowboarding greats took advantage of the major winter storm that pummeled New York City over the weekend, pulling off Olympics-worthy stunts in a public park.
On Sunday, January 25, nearly a foot of snow fell in Manhattan’s Central Park, turning the iconic green space into a true winter wonderland — and legendary Olympian Shaun White took the opportunity to put on an impromptu snowboarding clinic!
RELATED: When Do the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Start?
In amazing footage, the three-time gold medalist can be seen giving fans gathered in the park a preview of what to expect from others when the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics kick off — he turned Central Park into a de facto snowboard park and wasted no time performing trick after trick. It’s one of those “This only happens in New York City” videos that pop up every once in a while.
Initially riding under a mask and goggles, the 39-year-old dazzled fans with 360s and front flips, each drawing more and more unbelievable reactions from the crowd that had gathered.
“That’s gotta be Shaun White!” declared one person after a particularly impressive flip, as heard in a video shared by NBC 4 New York.
Once White took off his gear and revealed himself, many couldn’t even comprehend what they were witnessing.
“Are you f—ing kidding me?” one woman could be heard saying in disbelief.
Watch Shaun White shock the snowy Central Park crowd here.
White put on quite a show for some who decided to brave the elements on Sunday, with the athlete making sure it was worth their while.
Of course, the tricks White pulled off on the makeshift Central Park snowboard ramp will pale in comparison to what fans will witness when the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics kick off this February on NBC and Peacock. And though he snowboarding legend won’t be competing, he’ll be a big part of the festivities.
Shaun White’s role at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Although White retired from competitive snowboarding in 2022, he still has plenty to offer fans — and he’ll get that opportunity at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.
White will join Savannah Guthrie and Terry Gannon in the broadcast booth when the Olympic athletes enter the stadium for the traditional Parade of Nations — a time when the athletes’ attire draws just as much attention as the Olympians themselves.
RELATED: Everything to Know About the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
“I’m so excited to be part of the Opening Ceremony for the Milan Cortina Olympics,” White said in a statement. “The Olympics have been such a huge part of my life, and to return in this new role — celebrating the athletes, the energy, and the incredible backdrop of Italy — is truly an honor. I know what that moment means when the world is watching, and I can’t wait to help bring that magic to everyone at home.”
The legend will also join the broadcast team as an analyst and commentator throughout the Olympic Games.
Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony begins on Friday, February 6 at 2 p.m. ET, with primetime coverage kicking off at 8 p.m. ET — exclusively on NBC and Peacock.