British ace Aimee claims US champion is given an easy ride
HE’S helped propel snowboarding to new heights worldwide but Shaun White’s aura is giving him an unfair advantage over his rivals — according to British star Aimee Fuller.
Last month double Olympic halfpipe champion White made headlines when he earned a perfect 100 score at the US Grand Prix to qualify for a fourth Games in PyeongChang.
It was only the third perfect score in the history, the latest chapter in the storied career of an individual who landed his first endorsement deal at the age of seven, has an estimated net worth of £30m.
But his achievements on snow have also seemingly rubbed up his rivals with Australian snowboarder Scotty James — one of the favourites for halfpipe gold in South Korea alongside White — claiming the American was overmarked for his perfect score in Colorado.
And Fuller, who competes in the slopestyle event on Sunday, is another who believes the hype helps White.
“Every snowboarder starts from the bottom and they earn their points,” she said.
“Shaun White starts at the top and they deduct his points so unless he does anything in particular wrong, he’s staying at the top — he’s got Shaun White Points.
“It’s not particularly fair is it? But Shaun White has a glow. He walks in the room and everyone looks at him and that’s the same with his riding, he does stand out from the crowd.”
Fuller has previously posted on social media about hanging out with White and still believes the 31-year-old’s achievements should still be applauded.
“I think Shaun White’s done amazing things for our sport. He’s put it on the map,” added the Brit. “He’s an action sports hero in most young children’s eyes. I rate him, look how old he is and he’s still going .”
Watch Aimee Fuller on the Eurosport Player on February 11. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport. Go to www.Eurosport.co.uk