Sport
Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Shani Davis on verge of making history
In addition to 4 Olympic medals, Davis also claimed silver in the 1,500 at both the Turin and Vancouver games. He is one of only two men to win world championships in both sprint and allround.
“That’s an incredible achievement,” said Gerard Kemkers, a coach for the powerful Dutch team. “I think Shani Davis is one of the greatest Olympians in American history.”
Davis did not always embrace that role, shying away from any attempts to turn him into a household name in the United States. While his achievements were duly appreciated in the speedskating-crazy Netherlands.
“America still thinks in terms of Bonnie Blair and Dan Janzen and Eric Heiden,” Kemkers said, referring to 3 U.S. greats who came before Davis. “There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding Shani Davis because he stood up for things, which didn’t help his P.R. It overshadowed a little bit the legacy he has as a skater.”
No longer. Davis has become the undisputed leader of the U.S. team, even agreeing to skate team pursuit at the Olympics for the first time. Away from the ice, he has been much more eager to take a starring role at Sochi, taking part in countless promotions for NBC’s coverage of the Winter Games back home.
A sometimes-prickly relationship with the media has been completely amiable in the lead-up to Sochi. “It comes with some responsibilities. It’s a light I haven’t been in before. But I embrace it,” Davis said. “I’m happy to be considered one of the faces of the games with all the other Winter Olympians who are here and held in that category. I guess I’m in good company. I can’t complain about it.”
Speedskating begins on Saturday with the 5,000 meters, an event that Davis skated at the last 2 Olympics but dropped from his program this time. His first event is Monday, the 500, but that is merely a tuneup for his two signature events.
