Shaun White made his first televised appearance since news broke of his split from ex-fiancée Nina Dobrev. The three-time Olympic gold medalist appeared on the 3rd Hour of Today on Tuesday, just five days after PEOPLE announced the end of his engagement to the actress.
The 39-year-old snowboarder didn’t address the breakup directly. Instead, he focused on the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
“I’ll be running around, definitely supporting my friends competing and just taking it in,” White said. “This will be my first Winter Olympics where I’m not competing, so a lot of feelings there, but honestly, I’m excited to support and check it out.”
Return to Italy Brings Back Memories
The location holds special meaning for White. His Olympic career began in Italy twenty years ago.
“My first Olympics was in Italy that I competed at, so this is bringing a lot of memories going back to Italy. Should be fun,” he explained.
Then he joked about bringing back his signature look: “I might have to bring the hair back.”
White’s career highlights:
• 13 gold medals across Winter Olympics and X Games
• 3 silver medals
• 2 bronze medals
• First competed at 2006 Turin Olympics
• Last competed in 2022 Beijing Olympics (4th place, halfpipe)
The red-haired athlete became famous for his long ginger locks during his early competition days. He’s been retired from competitive snowboarding since 2022.
Split After Five Years Together
White and Dobrev ended their engagement after five years together, according to sources who spoke to PEOPLE last week.
“It was a mutual decision, and wasn’t an easy one, but it was made with love and a deep respect for one another.”
The couple were last photographed together on August 31. Dobrev walked the red carpet at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival without her 5-carat diamond engagement ring on September 7.
Neither White nor Dobrev have publicly commented on their split.
However, fans noticed a telling TikTok video the Vampire Diaries actress posted days before the news broke. In the video, Dobrev mouthed along to audio while dressed casually in a Nike sweatshirt.
“How do you sleep at night knowing people don’t like you? With no underwear, in case they wanna kiss my ass,” the audio said. “What’s your advice for women trying to fix their man? Listen, Bob the Builder, he’s got 10 other women trying to fix him too, and you all look like a damn construction crew.”
The timing of the post has led to speculation among fans about the couple’s relationship status before the official announcement.
