Photo: © AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File

George Steinbrenner, the man who almost single handedly built the New York Yankees into a sports empire has died today at the age of 80.

Yankee owner George Steinbrenner had a heart attack and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Steinbrenner died around 6:30 a.m this morning.

It was fitting that George Michael Steinbrenner III was born on the Fourth of July, in 1930. The celebrated man had just celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this month on Independence Day.

George Steinbrenner has created a remarkable legacy that will last many years, not just in New York but all across the baseball world. The great popularity that Major League baseball now enjoys is due in large part to George Steinbrenner.

Prior to last year’s World series, commissioner Bud Selig was quoted, “People have forgotten that team had really slipped in the years before Georgie came along. The drama and glory of the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s and early ’60s was gone when he bought the team.As far as I’m concerned, he is a Hall of Fame owner.”

New York Yankee fans from around the world applauded George Steinbrenner’s “win-at-all-cost” style. But many of his harshest critics also blamed Steinbrenner for the spiraling out of control baseball player salaries and destroying the competitive balance of professional baseball.

Overall, Steinbrenner changed managers nearly two dozen times and got rid of more than a dozen general managers.

What nobody can ever take away from the the New York Yankees owner was his success. George Steinbrenner won seven World Series trophies under his ownership. The New York Yankees reached the World Series on different 10 occasions and won three straight baseball world championships from 1998 to 2000. During that amazing run, the Yankees won the AL (American League) East crown every season through 2006.

George Steinbrenner was well known for public and private feuds. He often clashed with Yankees great Yogi Berra and Joe Torre, and hired volatile manager Billy Martin five times, while at he same time repeatedly fighting with him.

Over the last year or two, Steinbrenner’s health declined. His personal friends and the Steinbrenner family were very careful to not divulge much information about his health condition. They all worked hard keeping outsiders from getting little more than just a peek of Steinbrenner in person.

Recently Steinbrenner let his sons, Hal and Hank, take on a greater role in running the family business. But until the very end, George Steinbrenner was still the owner of the famous New York Yankees and demanded championships.

Steinbrenner last public appearance was during the 2008 All-Star Game. He was driven in a golf cart and delivered baseballs to four New York legends throwing out first pitches. It was a very emotional moment as the large Yankee Stadium crowd wildly cheered. It appeared that Steinbrenner was sobbing.

“Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing,” Steinbrenner was fond of saying. “Breathing first, winning next.”

Cascata golf course in Las Vegas is a Rees Jones course owned by Harrah’s.

Cascata opened in 2000 and lives up to its name. “Cascata” means “waterfall” in Italian, and the tee box on the par-3 15th hole will tell you everything you need to know about water on this course.

A 418-foot waterfall flows from the steep mountainside, tumbling over mammoth boulders, cascading into a river that roars through the clubhouse, eventually culminating in a tranquil stream. It’s no wonder Sports Illustrated called Cascata “golf’s hidden treasure.”

The Las Vegas course is consistently ranked high on all the “Best of” courses by golf publications.
The par-72 course that is surrounded by stunning vistas including a 3,600-foot peak at Red Mountain.  The fairways are lush, and there are lakes, and streams. The men’s and ladies’ lounges are equipped sink-side, flat-screen TVs, as well as many other amenities.

The Tuscan like clubhouse is very luxurious, yet unpretentious. The staff is very attentive, and eager to meet your every need. The dining room has wonderful food, and they also have an excellent collection of rare, fine tobaccos and cigars in the lounge’s custom-designed humidor.

Cascata is about a half-hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip. (702) 294-2005
www.harrahs.com/golf/cascata-golf.Greens fee: $500 every day (with a summer “discount” to $350 some days).

Photographed by: Ken Levine/Getty Images

There’s no question that the NBA (National Basketball Association) has become a worldwide phenomenon. So how did the NBA Finals Championship begin? Let’s go back to the beginning and understand the history of the NBA.

The Basketball Association of America (BAA) was originally an 11-team league that became what is today’s NBA. It was also the first major organized professional basketball league.

In 1947, they held the first Finals ever between the Chicago Stags of the Western Division and the Philadelphia Warriors of the Eastern Division. The Warriors won the series backed by the hot shooting of Joe Fulks. The winner won about $2,000 back then, taking in around half of their full season’s salary.

Some of the other teams in the league that year were the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Washington Capitols.  and later the BAA would also absorb the National Basketball League’s (NBL) Minneapolis Lakers — starring famed center George Mikan, plus the Fort Wayne Pistons. In 1949, the BAA officially merged with the NBL to form a 17-team league playing games in a combination of large arenas, smaller gymnasiums and even in armories.

One of the early dynasties in the new league was the Minneapolis Lakers. The Lakers won five titles in six years behind George Mikan. The next official NBA dynasty was the 1957-1969 Boston Celtics, who won an astonishing 11 championships in 13 years. This feat is still unprecedented for the number of titles in professional sports. The Celtics won eight in a row between 1959-1966.

Hall of Fame Coach Red Auerbach, has a star studded team comprised of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy. Auerbach was a master at motivating his team by keeping things fun but also grueling during practices.

In 1980, the Los Angeles Lakers began their impressive run of five titles in nine years with Magic Johnson, a rookie guard that year. Magic Johnson won three NBA Finals MVP awards. His teammate was Hall of Fame star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a two-time Finals winner.

The 1991-1998 Chicago Bulls were led by Michael Jordan and became the next dynasty of the NBA. The Bulls  wo six titles in eight years. The Chicago Bulls possibly could have won all the Finals during that span, but Jordan, a six-time NBA Finals MVP, retired to play Major League Baseball (MLB).

During the 60 plus-year NBA Finals history, there’s no dispute that there have been many memorable teams and superstar players that have won NBA championships.

Courtesy of: FIFA

Soccer is the No. 1 sport in most of the world. The FIFA World Cup is an international tournament that allows any country in the world with a national soccer team may compete.

Since the World Cup was held in 2006, 204 countries submitted applications to play in this year’s 2010 World Cup to held in South Africa.

As the 2010 World Cup neared, the initial 204 teams were narrowed down down to the competing 32. As the tournament begins, 64 matches will be played before just one team remains and stands the winner above all the others.

The president of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Jules Rimet, first suggested back in 1926 that an international soccer tournament “could reinforce the ideals of a permanent and real peace.”

Soccer fans and officials desired a need to have an international soccer tournament for national teams outside of the Olympics and other smaller tournaments.

Back then, only soccer teams made up of amateur players were admitted to the Olympics Games. But most of the world’s best players were professionals.

The World Cup was born. On May 28, 1928, the FIFA Congress decided to host a World Championship and organized by FIFA. The innagural tournament was given to the World Champions Uruguay, after all the European countries eventually withdrew their bid offers.

Unfortunately, only 13 teams participated in the first World Cup. The primary reason was the high cost of travel to South America. The 13 World Cup teams included seven from South America, four from Europe, and two teams from North America.

Even thought eh soccer tournament was commonly known as the World Cup, the championship trophy was formally named the Jules Rimet Cup. Host country Uruguay was the winner of the first championship, by beating Argentina 4-2 in the championship game.

There have been 18 World Cups held. Sadly, two were canceled due to World War II and its aftermath.

Politics have played a role in past World Cups. Back in 1950, the World Cup was the first Cup to include British teams. Great Britain actually withdrew from FIFA in 1920 because it did not want to compete against other teams it had battled against in war.

In 1974, the Jules Rimet Cup was replaced by the present day trophy, the FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is made up solid gold and malachite.

In 1982, the FIFA World Cup expanded to 24 total teams. Expansion continued in 1998, as FIFA expanded the current format to 32 teams.

The 32 teams are divided into eight groups that play round-robin tournaments. The top two teams from each group then advance into the single-elimination tournament round.

Brazil still leads in total World Cup wins with five. Italy moved into sole position of second place with four titles, with their win over France in 2006 in a thrilling 5-3 shootout after the two countries played a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Countries with the most World Cup Wins:
Brazil – 5 (2002, 1994, 1970, 1962, 1958)
Italy – 4 (2006, 1982, 1938, 1934)
West Germany – 3 (1990, 1974, 1954)

Courtesy of: Ironman Executive Challenge

As a follow-up to our story on the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship eBay Charity Auction, we wanted to present information about the Ironman Executive Challenge (XC).

As the ultimate Ironman experience for the world’s top business leaders, Ironman XC is an exclusive member’s-only program and offers privileges such as guaranteed entry to select Ironman events, VIP treatment for you and your family, first-class accommodations, interaction with Ironman icons and much more.

Ironman Executive Challenge is in its second year of program, and also quite an exclusive club. Nearly 1,000 people apply each year, but only lucky ones 100 are accepted.

Members of Ironman XC will also have the opportunity to win coveted slots to the renowned Ford Ironman World Championship, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Ironman Executive Challenge (XC) makes it much easier for c-suite executives to participate in Ironman events without having to worry about anything.

Ironman Executive Challenge is arguably the only luxurious way to train for and bring your family to watch you compete in Kona.

Below are some interesting facts about the 2010 XC Group:

– The 2010 XC Group represents well over 100 Billion in Revenue.
– A typical XC Athlete is “A 45 year old CEO of a private company with average revenues of 44M.”
– 8% of companies have revenues over $1B (The Hartford, Cushman & Wakefield, and GlaxoSmithKline to name a few)
– 5-10% of participants will compete in multiple XC events throughout the season
– 50% of year One participants have returned for year Two
– Demographic: Male: 95%, Female: 5%, Average Age: 45, 85% are U.S. citizens

What are the benefits of joining the XC program?

– Members are guaranteed entry to select Ironman events
– Receive first‐class accommodations
– Get an opportunity to win Kona World Championship slots
– Participate in a 16 week training program with Troy Jacobson (one of the official coaches of Ironman)
– VIP passes and escorts on race day for attending family members
– Strategy session breakfast with Pro Athletes and Ironman Icons
– Receive Ironman XC Executive Challenge apparel
– In addition to other special offers, promotions, and much more

Several of the more notable participants this year include:
– Ray Brown, President & CEO of HighPointe Consulting (Mr. Brown is racing three times this year – Germany, August 1st, Tempe, Arizona, November 21, Kona @ World Championship October 9)

– Andrew Kosove, Co-Founder + CEO of Alcon Entertainment – producers of The Blind Side. (Mr. Kosove is racing at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho full distance Ironman on 6/27/2010)

– Juan Andrade, President of The Hartford (Mr Andrade is racing at Tempe, Arizona, 11/21/2010)

– Phil Newbold, CEO Memorial Health System – $500M (Mr Newbold is racing at Louisville 8/29/2010)

For additional information about the Ironman Executive Challenge, please visit:
http://www.ironmanxc.com/

As summer near, it’s time to enjoy one of New York’s most unique events – the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

2010 marks the third annual event, and it will again be held at New York’s historic Governors Island.

The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is the must-even of the season. Once again, the star-studded social event will benefit American Friends of Sentebale.

The event will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at Governors Island in New York and is quickly becoming one of the country’s biggest and most glamorous daytime social occasions.

The American Friends of Sentebale is the U.S. arm of the global charity that was founded by HRH Prince Henry of Wales and HRH Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The primary goal of American Friends of Sentebale is to better the lives of the underprivileged, at-risk children of Lesotho, Southern Africa.

Bringing the exciting world of polo to New Yorkers for this one day event, consumers are invited to a polo match featuring players from some of the sport’s most noted teams around the world, including Nacho Figueras, captain of Black Watch and the face of Ralph Lauren Fragrances.

If you are looking for a Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic – VIP experience, then purchase a table in the VIP Marquee or purchase a picnic ticket for a champagne lunch on the lawn. Tickets can be purchased and table information can be found at www.vcseason.com. The event will also feature an area open to the public.

Nacho Figueras was quoted, “It is an incredible honor to be back on Governors Island playing polo in the third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. I’m proud to have helped develop this event with Veuve Clicquot two years ago, which brought polo back to New York City after a nearly 70 year lapse. Last year, thousands of New Yorkers came out to enjoy the match and social atmosphere. I’m confident and hopeful that thousands more will join us this year.”

“We are delighted to bring the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic back to one of Manhattan’s favorite landmarks, Governors Island,” stated Christine Kaculis, Director of Communications for Veuve Clicquot. “The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, a signature social event of the Veuve Clicquot Season, provides guests and spectators with an incredibly memorable afternoon filled with sport, glamour and epicurean delights, all in a quintessential New York setting to support a great cause. Mark your calendars now!”

“We are delighted that the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will once again be supporting the American Friends of Sentebale and our work with the most vulnerable children in Lesotho,” says Kedge Martin, CEO of Sentebale. “Every day, at least 100 more children in this beautiful country have their lives devastated by the loss of a parent – having to drop out of school to become caretakers of their relatives, getting exposed to abuse, vulnerable to exploitation – the utter devastation of their childhood. Events like this are crucial to our work – helping us to make a real difference to the lives of the most needy children.”

The historic setting and uniqueness of Governors Island, promises to attract a fashionable crowd from around the globe to 2010 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. The event features the glamour and excitement of polo – the sport of kings.

During last year’s popular event, Prince Harry made his first overseas visit to New York City. In support of Sentebale, Prince Harry enthusiastically squared off with his team, against Nacho Figueras and Black Watch.

Last year, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic drew over 6,000 public spectators and VIP guests. Several of the famous celebrities included – Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny, Donna Karan, LL Cool J, Rachel Roy, Lucy Sykes, Hilary Rhoda and Alex Wek.

The west side of the polo field will be open to the public free of change. Spectators will be able to enjoy the match from bleachers and can expect plenty of champagne bars to keep the Veuve Clicquot filled in their glasses.

Attendees will also enjoy premium concessions, including Union Square Hospitality Group’s Blue Smoke and El Verano Taquería. This marks the first time Chef Floyd Cardoz’s irresistible tacos will be available outside of Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. There will also be merchandise tents and other surprises for public spectators.

Lunch on the Lawn picnic tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic are now available for purchase. Pricing is $250 per person and will provide access to all of the glamorous action, unlimited Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, a custom Polo picnic blanket and a gourmet picnic lunch developed by Chef Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and Culinary Director of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and its catering business, Hudson Yards.

Aside from Lunch on the Lawn picnic tickets, Veuve Clicquot will also be offering three levels of tables available for purchase in their VIP Marquee at the event.

For additional VIP table information/pricing, and general event and transportation details, please visit www.vcseason.com

Courtesy of: M. Guillermin / EpicQuest

If you are looking for an adventure travel company that offers its clients exciting adventure travel experiences across a range of sports, then EpicQuest is your only choice.

EpicQuest has made its mark on the adventure travel industry with its athlete-led heliskiing operations in Alaska, Idaho and Europe.

With summer just around the corner, this premier adventure operator is switching up its sport focus by offering cycling, surfing, fishing and safari adventures around the world.

The exciting trips below are just a sampling:

Chase the Tour de France:
Don’t just watch the biggest cycling event of the year, put in the miles. EpicQuest’s Verbier-based trip allows guests to bike some of the toughest parts of the course, explore scenic roads in the shadows of Mont Blanc, dine on Italian farms and taste wine at local vineyards. (July; non-race specific dates available June – Oct.)
http://www.epicquest.com/trips/cycle/europe/rhone-valley-mtb/tour-de-france-package/

Surf Near Secret Beaches:
Martin Daly has been exploring Indonesia’s best waves since the 1980s. Board a luxury yacht with the captain for a 12-day voyage through the world’s cleanest, most consistent and powerful waves. Daly will show guests both the famous and secret surf spots alike. The yacht is also a fully equipped sport diving vessel, and guests can drop a line to catch a large array of reef and game fish: tuna, mahi mahi and Spanish mackerel. (April – Sept.)
http://www.epicquest.com/trips/surf/indonesia/sumatra

Cast a Line With The Experts:
Debby Boyd, a native of south central Idaho, grew up fishing the nation’s finest trout waters. A Scott fly rod pro staff member, she’s on the front lines of guiding these days, especially challenging women to step front and center into the world of fly fishing. She’ll be guiding in Idaho and Alaska’s Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, where fly-fishing becomes a whole new sport with helicopter support.  (June – Sept.)
http://www.epicquest.com/trips/fish/alaska/tordrillo-mountains/

Get Into The Wildlife Conservation Game:
EpicQuest guests are some of the first westerners to explore the northern rangelands of Kenya and join the former Director of Wildlife Management of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for exclusive insights into the protection of African wildlife. Dropped into the world of wildlife rangers and conservation experts, guests see, and even participate, in current projects, such as rhino monitoring, tracker dog training, research department activities, fencing strategies and design, as they go on rounds with the team of scientists and rangers. (May – Oct.)
http://www.epicquest.com/trips/safari/east-africa/northern-rangelands/wildlife-conservation

Play Under Alaska’s Midnight Sun:
Hosted by former Olympic athletes Tommy Moe and Jeremy Nobis, “Kings and Corn” is a five-day adventure in the heart of the Alaska’s Tordrillo Mountains, combining king salmon fishing, corn snow heliskiing and whitewater rafting. EpicQuest’s helicopter takes guests into nearby terrain to runs of velvety corn snow with an average vertical of 3,000 feet and remote stretches of the Yentna and Skwentna Rivers, where the average size of a fish is 30 pounds. Take a break on the Happy River in class three-whitewater rapids and at night kick back at the lodge with Moe or Nobis to rehash the day’s adventures. Those who aren’t tired can take the helicopter back out for a run under the midnight sun. (June 9- July 5)
http://www.epicquest.com/trips/fish/alaska/kings-and-corn/

For more information, please contact EpicQuest or call (888) 983-3742

Ironman is the world famous triathlon series. The name is best known for its World Championship held annually in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) began its annual eBay Charity auction on Sunday, April 25th. The goal of the eBay auction is designed to benefit a variety of charitable organizations worldwide.

Ironman will auction off 1 spot each week for the next four weeks, with the opening bid set at only $10,000.|

For many triathletes, this is their last chance to obtain a spot and compete against the world’s best triathletes in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 9th.

The proceeds from the eBay auction will go towards The Ironman Foundation.

The Ironman Foundation has raised more than $3,500,000 through the initiative since its inception in 2003.

This charitable organization then gives back to a number of other charities within the various event markets.

Ironman also recognizes a multitude of groups that are affiliated with the events throughout race season, in addition to chapters on a national and/or global level.

In addition to the opportunity to compete at the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship, eBay auction winners will receive private athlete registration in Kona and four VIP packages, including race-day passes and invitations to race-week functions.

According to World Triathlon Corporation’s President and CEO, Ben Fertic, all funds are tax-deductible and all proceeds go to The Ironman Foundation, which will in turn make donations to the organizations. Ironman covers all administrative costs to ensure all monies raised will directly benefit the selected charities.

With the Championship game scheduled for Monday night, the winner will be crowned as the top NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball team.

The NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball tournament is held each spring and called March Madness. It features 65 of the top college basketball teams in all of the United States.

The tournament is primarily held in the month March and has earned the well-known name of “March Madness” to describe the excitement and wide-spread following of college hoops fans.

Regardless of who you root for, you can’t deny the thrill that “March Madness” college basketball tournament brings. Dynasty teams come and go, new Cinderella basketball teams seem to appear each year. That’s what makes the NCAA tournament so exciting to watch each year.

In addition to legal gambling, there are countless “office pools” all across the country and many foreign countries that seem to religiously attract both expert fans and novices alike.

From all accounts, the 2010 Winter Games held in Vancouver – British Columbia, Canada was a huge success.

The United States athletes had a record-breaking and history-making journey at these Olympics. Luxury car-maker Audi, has produced another exclusive, behind-the-scenes video.

View the unprecedented accomplishments of the U.S. Ski Team, along with segments from the original Audi film plus special footage and interviews shot in Whistler.

As part of its continued support of the U.S. Ski Team, Audi of America recently commissioned the original documentary film titled, Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team’s Road to Vancouver.

The video tells the unique stories of several elite American skiers during their preparation for the 2010 Winter Games.

The film was directed by Brett Morgan and premiered on NBC back in January. The film also aired on the USA Network and the Universal Sports Network.

You can now download it for free on the iTunes store.

Audi’s video includes exclusive, behind-the-scenes video that incorporates a variety of interviews from athletes, fans and families, captured from daily webisodes that were shot at the U.S. Ski Team House in Whistler.

TJ Lanning and Resi Stiegler, U.S. Ski Team members recovering from injury, hosted the streaming show titled Live at the Lodge. The finale video pays tribute to the U.S. Ski Team’s unprecedented performance at the 2010 Winter Games.

Photo: Harry How / Getty Images

As the 2010 Winter Olympics Games begin in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, the United states send another strong team to compete for gold medals.

The America team is strong as ever and has a very deep team loaded with star athletes. Several of the key Olympic athletes to watch include: short track skater Apolo Anton Ohno, skier Lindsey Vonn, snowboarder Shaun White and long track skater Shani Davis.

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey / Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno –
Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno is poised to become the all-time medal winner in U.S. Winter Olympic history. Ohno previously won two gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic medals in the last 2 Winter Olympics. By winning a medal in the Vancouver games, Apolo Anton Ohno will surpass fellow speed skater Eric Heiden as the U.S. male Olympic medal winner.

If 27 year old Apolo Anton Ohno wins two Olympic medals, he will he become the most decorated American Olympian ever and pass long-track speed skater Bonnie Blair. Ohno is considered a strong threat the following speed skate races: 500, 1,000, and 5,000-meter relay.

Photo: Squire / Getty Images

Lindsay Vonn –
Lindsay Vonn may well become the most popular athlete by the end of these Winter Olympic Games. Lindsay Vonn is 25 years old and superstar Alpine skier. Vonn has dominated the World Cup circuit over past ski season. Lindsay won eight different races, setting herself up as a top favorite for multiples gold medals in Whistler. Lindsay Vonn is coming into the Olympics on a roll, winning six consecutive women’s downhill ski races.

Unfortunately, Vonn hurt her shin last week during training. Lindsay Vonn is one of the main favorites in both the downhill and super-G. In addition, Vonn is considered a strong threat in the slalom, giant slalom and super combined.

Photo: AP

Shani Davis –
Shani Davis may enter these Winter Games with something to prove. After a successful 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games, he became a target of fellow American teammate Chad Hedrick. The controversy involved a decision by Shani Davis to not participate in the team pursuit, but rather focus solely on the individual events.

Davis, 27 years old, did win a gold medal in the 1,000 race, as well as a silver medal in the 1,500. His rival Chad Hedrick won three medals in Turin. Shani Davis come to Vancouver as a strong contender, scheduled to race in four different events, including the 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 5,000 meters. Shani Davis is favored to win gold in both the 1,000 and 1,500 races.

Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images North America

Shaun White –
Shaun White is the king of snowboarding. White won the U.S. Mens’ Snowboarding championship last month’s in Utah, and is a strong favorite to take home an Olympic gold. In Utah, Shaun White attempted and landed the first ever competition Double McTwist 1260. Many experts feel White’s new double McTwist 1260 is the hardest halfpipe snowboarding trick ever performed.

Shaun White known around the world as “The Flying Tomato” for his long, flowing red hair. Shaun won the half-pipe gold medal at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, and most feel he’s clearly the leader to defend that title in Vancouver. White comes to Vancouver on a hot streak by winning four of five Grand Prix snowboarding qualifying events.