United States snowboard Shaun White has claimed that he has no regrets about pulling out of the Olympic snowboard slopestyle competition.

Several of White's competitors reportedly took to Facebook and Twitter to suggest that he only withdrew because he was scared of losing.

The Californian, who is expected to compete in the men's halfpipe, told reporters earlier today: "I'm really happy with my decision. I have bumps and bruises over the course of the season that I haven't had before.

"I feel pressure all the time. I'm trying not to think about it too much. It's not more pressure than I put on myself. I expect the best out of myself, always."

Fellow American Sage Kotsenburg took the gold medal, the first of the Sochi Games, at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park earlier today.