Shaun White

            As doctors sewed his heart back together it was hard to believe that that small child would grow up to be an Olympian, philanthropist, and action sports champion. After being born with a heart defect and experiencing two open heart surgeries, it was clear that nothing would stop Shaun White. Born in Carlsbad, California, Shaun was introduced to board sports at a young age and was a natural from the start. He grew up like a normal kid however, he spent the majority of his free time on boards. White became a professional snowboarder at the age of 13 and a professional skateboarder at the age of 17. Shaun was consistently winning prize money from competitions won. He began donating money to charities dear to his heart. Shaun continues donating his money to charities today. Though he was forced to overcome daunting obstacles, Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, is worthy of the title "hero" not only because he is benevolent, but also because he has an inner drive to succeed at whatever he does.

Shaun's giving spirit and past experiences together cause him to donate time and money to charities. He donates to and, "is a long time supporter of St. Jude" (Tala). White spent the first few weeks of his life in St. Jude's hospitals being treated for a heart defect. That is why St. Jude is a special cause to him. He wants to help the organization grow and help more people, who are going through the same experiences he did. Shaun not only gives to St. Jude's but also, "Shaun still finds time to give back, frequently stopping by Target House as well as supporting other organizations such as Tony Hawk Foundation, Heartgift, Make-a-wish Foundation" (Figuracion). He donates his money as well as his time to these organizations. White visits these locations and puts smiles on the workers and children present. Shaun White is a very giving person who relates to people in need and in turn helps those less fortunate than him.

Shaun is intrinsically determined from overcoming daunting obstacles as a child to pushing through injuries and progressing the sports he does. He suffered through tough times and, "Though he later became a professional athlete, White was born with a genetic heart defect and had to have open heart surgery when he was six months old" ("Shaun White"). Before he could speak, Shaun was already showing his perseverance by not letting his heart issues stop him. This shows his determination to be successful. Shaun does not let injury hold him back, "At the 2012 X Games in Aspen this past Sunday daredevil Shaun White proved once again why he's the snowboarding's Babe Ruth by scoring the SuperPipe's first-ever perfect 100. And he did it on a bad ankle" (American Athletes). Most people would choose to rest on a fracture ankle but not Shaun White. He proved that with strength of mind, you can accomplish anything.

            Shaun White is a hero because he is giving, and never gives up. His life started off rough with a heart problem but it only got better from there. He now gives large sums of money as well as his time to various organizations. It is his ability to push past obstacles and never give up that makes him an inspiration.

Works Consulted

"Shaun White." Shaun White (Biography Today) (2010): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 9

            May 2013.

"Shaun T. White." Newsmakers. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Biography In Context. Web. 7 May

            2013

Tala, Angelina. "Shaun White's St. Jude Ad with Cancer Kids Among Most Likable: Nielsen.

            "Medical Daily RSS. Medical Daily, 20 Dec. 2011. Web. 07 May 2013.

Figuracion, Inigo. "Shaun White Is San Diego's Winter Olympics Connection." About.com San

            Diego. N.p., 2013. Web. 09 May 2013.