Shaun White’s journey from a fearless teen sensation to a legendary athlete is the stuff of sports folklore. Bursting onto the scene with his wild red hair and gravity-defying snowboarding tricks, White – born September 3, 1986, in San Diego – quickly earned the nickname “The Flying Tomato.” He didn’t just ride the halfpipe; he owned it, winning three Olympic gold medals and dominating the X Games for more than a decade.
But White’s story is about more than trophies and records. He became a pop culture fixture, recognizable to fans and non-fans alike. Even if you couldn’t tell a backside 1440 from a McTwist, it was hard not to know the kid who combined athletic brilliance with an offbeat charisma. From starring in video games to launching business ventures and rocking out with his band Bad Things, White has always played by his own rules.
Finding Love in the Spotlight
With such a high profile, it’s no surprise that White’s love life has attracted plenty of curiosity over the years. Despite the attention, he’s managed to keep much of his private world out of the tabloid glare.
These days, White is happily dating actress Nina Dobrev, famous for her role on “The Vampire Diaries.” The couple met at a Tony Robbins event in early 2020, hit it off, and quickly became inseparable. Their relationship blossomed during the early days of the pandemic, and they’ve shared glimpses of their adventures together on social media ever since – whether traveling, celebrating milestones, or goofing around at home.
Before finding a connection with Dobrev, White had a long-term relationship with Sarah Barthel, the talented frontwoman of the band Phantogram. The couple dated from around 2013 to 2019, quietly sharing their lives while keeping a relatively low profile despite both being in the public eye.
White’s dating history also reportedly includes brief flings and friendships with other celebrities, such as Israeli model Bar Refaeli in 2012 and actress Arielle Vandenberg in 2011. There’s always speculation about who’s dating whom in Hollywood, and White’s name has occasionally been linked to others – but he’s rarely fanned the flames of those rumors.
Growing Up, On and Off the Snow
Over the years, White has changed in more ways than one. Once the skateboarding-and-snowboarding prodigy who’d dodge questions about his personal life, he’s become more comfortable and open, especially as he’s grown older and found stability away from nonstop competition.
His relationship with Dobrev seems to reflect this new chapter. The couple are often seen supporting each other – whether she’s cheering him on during his final Olympic run (even if only virtually, due to travel restrictions in Beijing), or they’re off on some adventure together. Their partnership feels like a blend of fun, friendship, and shared ambition – two people who understand what it means to chase big dreams while carving out space for each other.
Now retired from Olympic competition, White seems content, focusing on new business projects, music, and enjoying time with loved ones. Life isn’t just about chasing the next medal anymore – it’s about balance, growth, and figuring out what comes next after decades at the top.
Past Relationships
Nina Dobrev
Sarah Barthel
Bar Refaeli
Arielle Vandenberg
Elisha Cuthbert
Lindsay Lohan
Summer Spiro
Andrea H
For someone who spent years pushing the limits of what’s possible on a snowboard, finding happiness and a sense of home seems like a fitting – and hard-won – victory. White’s legacy isn’t just about gold medals and trick lists; it’s about continually growing, on the mountain and off, and embracing each new turn life throws his way.