Shaun White finished fourth in the Half Pipe event. The event in which he has won Gold for the past two Olympics.

Fourth.

That would be fourth in the world.

Am I fourth best in the world in anything? No.

Is anyone that has since spoken like fourth in the world is a disaster, fourth best in the world in anything? Probably not.

I, of course, mean all the people who talk of Shaun White’s fourth place, “non-medal” finish with a tone of disgust, a hint of ridicule, or the scent of failure.

He’s fourth best in the world after reigning for the past 8 years as #1. I still say Wow! That is incredible! Congrats!

If you are not still in awe, check yourself. Fourth out of 7,000,000,000 ain’t too bad and a whole lot better than I could have done.

Thanks Shaun. Thanks for going for it on that last run. Thanks for congratulating #1,2, & 3 when it was all done. Thanks for the fun over all these years.

BTW- Everyone rightfully went nuts for Erin Hamlin who finished third in the women’s Luge: the first American Individual Luge Medal ever. I guess according to some, we can only be happy for Silver and Gold in those events now.