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making history, shani davis collects second gold in winter olympics

February 18, 2010

Feb. 18, 2010- Putting race aside, on Wednesday, 27-year-old Shanie Davis won the 1,000- meter men’s speed skating event- becoming the first man to win back-to-back 1,000- meter Olympic speed skating gold medals. His 6’2 frame towered the typically shorter speed skaters as he sped to the finish line during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, crossing the finish line in 1 minute and 8.94 seconds.

Here is Shani getting his honors, along with silver medalist, South Korea’s Tae-Bum Mo (1:09.12) and the bronze by Chad Hedrick (1:09.32 )

So far, Shani has left Olympic patrons stunned. Aside from setting a total of eight world records, At 6’2, he is considered the tallest, yet most technically efficient speed skater in America.

Hey…big guy…

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Shani started roller-skating at local rinks at age two. He then joined the Evanston Speedskating Club at age six and within two months started competing locally. By age 8, he was winning regional competitions. He then went on to earn spots on both the long track and short track teams at the 1999 junior world championship, simultaneously making the national team. In 2000, he made history by become the first U.S. skater to make the long and short track teams at the Junior World Teams, a feat he would accomplish again in 2001 and 2002.

So…what else is he doing besides breaking records?

  • He is currently studying at Northern Michigan University.
  • He was the inspiration for the Pixar character Frozone in the Animated film “The Incredibles.”
  • He helped start Inner City Excellence (I.C.E.), a skating-based youth development program serving hundreds of children each year in Washington, D.C.

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Afro-punk wants to know…Do you or anyone you know participate in winter sports? If yes, what sport and what have been your experiences while playing?

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