Designing a career off the slopes

Off the slopes, US snowboarding star Shaun White is involved in various activities, ranging from fashion to video games.

In 2005, he appeared in the snowboarding documentary First Descent and in 2008 he launched a video game ― Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip.

He has his own designer clothing line, Shaun White 4 Target, and he works with his brothers on the designs of stylish yet affordable T-shirts, woven shirts, shorts and jeans for boys and young men.

Major fashion eyewear maker Oakley has been a sponsor of his since 1998, and White has worked with it on designs for his signature series of products.

Being a fashion designer could be a possible full-time career move for White after he hangs up his snowboard.

"I don't think I will ever stop (designing). I enjoy it," White said.

"It's like, if you and I made a design, it's everywhere. I mean people on the street are wearing the sunglasses you make. I say 'hi' to people that are wearing them and don't even know them. It's just really cool. I like that connection you can have with people. It's exciting. The feeling is the same as winning competitions, but just in a different way."