Speed skater Shani Davis is seen yesterday training at the Richmond Olympic Oval in preparation for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. In 2006 in Turin, Davis became the first black individual athlete to win a Winter Games gold medal. Davis will try for four Olympic speedskating medals in Vancouver, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
To the delight of many Chicagoans, Davis wore a White Sox baseball cap during his victory lap in Turin. But his historic trip to Italy wasn't free from controversy. After he refused to compete in a team event to focus on his solo races, teammate Chad Hedrick questioned his patriotism, and the two openly feuded.
But Davis, 27, is used to standing alone. Whether battling the U.S. Speedskating Federation with the help of his mom, Cherie, over issues of funding, logos and perceived racism, or keeping a healthy distance from his teammates, the enigmatic skater has forged a solitary path to the top.
Davis won't be involved in a team pursuit controversy in Vancouver. Although he considered skating in the event, he ultimately decided not to submit his name for consideration. And while many hoped he would race in all five individual events, something that was last attempted by Eric Heiden, who won five gold medals at the 1980 Lake Placid Games, Davis opted out of the 10,000 meters. He is expected to skate the other four distances: The 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 5,000 meters. His two best events are the 1,000 and 1,500, and after a dominant World Cup season he is the overwhelming favorite to win gold in both.
Davis also took 1,500m silver in Turin.
The speedskating champ says he is "having more fun" in Vancouver than at previous Games as he bids for another gold medal. Davis tells AFP: "Things are really good. I'm having more fun here than at my two other Olympics so that's a good starting point for my third Olympics. You got to be focused but I do play a lot as well. Out of any other speedskater I think I have the most fun but during game time I put that away."
You might recall that Davis shattered the course record in the 1,000meter at the World Cup in Berlin. Davis had previously injured himself with his blade in the same event.
Shani Davis says he's in "good shape" for the Winter Games. A few more photos of Shani Davis training yesterday in Vancouver AFTER THE JUMP ..
11 Feb 2010
Peace to Rod & ALL!
Shani Davis is a stellar, shining speedskater and citizen of our One World.
Our "young, gifted and Black" bruthaman and Olympian reminds, all of us, rightly of the Olympic Charter: "The Olympic Games are competitions between athletes in individual or team events and not between countries."
Shani brings a peace-full Eastern philosophical focus, as he finds and shares his own heart for his speedskating in the 2010 events.
Along with the Zulu naming of his son, "Ayize," meaning "Let it come," his own African-American roots shall bear mature fruits, as our already 2009 [One] World and 2006 Olympic champion.
Shani has harvested these gifts already, giving generously of his time, talents and treasure in teaching young people on and off the ice, as an outstanding and inspiring individual, as well, as an articulate and intelligent athlete. All of us ol' dawgs, too, can learn a few new tricks from Shani!
More than a mentor, Shani Davis is a very R-E-A-L Black man, yes, "one
of a kind."
Many children and young persons, seeking to rise up on their toes to the top of their lives in their own 'skates,' would do well to follow his path, giving props to his own mother, Cherie!
Check out www.shanidavis.org for more information and to support this fine young man and champion.
Shani and Team Davis: have fun all the way to the finish line and beyond with blessings and bliss!
All I am,
Yours-in-One-Love,
Steadfast in Spirit & in Truth,
Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor
One World Life Systems
"Serving One Love and Developing One World for the Common Good of Humanity"
Posted by: Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor | 11 February 2010 at 15:17
GEAUX SHANI!!!!
Posted by: rxntx | 11 February 2010 at 15:30
Owee! I've been following this guy for a while now and am so glad to see him on your site. I love his attitude which allows him to completely disregard the racist, biased US media as well as the racist USA Speedskating Association which has tried to sideline him. His response? He continues to win and break records in what was previously a lily-white sport. God Bless him and his family.
Posted by: strong4u | 11 February 2010 at 17:33
I ABS LIVE for this amazing young man. He is so into his sport and his private space. SIMPLY WONDERFUL. It is so refreshing when you have so many images coming at you of celebrity. It is nice to have one that is STELLAR and QUIET!!!! He is truly changing the world while everyone is watching Beyonce.
Kirk
WWW.FLICKERIA.COM
Posted by: kirk | 11 February 2010 at 17:52
Absolutely love this dude! Growing up I idolized Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen, but never thought it was possible for a little black boy. Now, like with Obama, children of color can see success in their own likeness, kudos to him and his team for helping to break the barrier.
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 11 February 2010 at 18:05
I live in Vancouver. I'm a proud Canadian. But I've got tickets to the 1500m final on Feb 20 and I'll be cheering on this man. He's so Zen and so sexy. I can hardly wait.
Posted by: ger | 11 February 2010 at 19:02
@ ger
i live in vancouver too but not lucky nor rich enough to get tickets for the event. But... there's always TV. LOL! Even though I'm mad jealous of you, make the most out of this opportunity.
Posted by: GQ | 11 February 2010 at 19:51