Road to Torino

Saturday, February 18, 2006
1:23:00 PM EST Today was the day reigning world speedkating allround champion Shani Davis has been waiting for -- the men's 1000m event. The distance is his specialty and he is the world record holder at this distance. This is a historic victory as Shani becomes the first African-American to win an individual winter Olympic gold.

A lot of buzz surrounded this race and the showdown it would provide between Shani and fellow American Chad Hedrick. After Hedrick failed to medal earlier this week in the team pursuit, his drive for 5 medals was effectively over. He vowed he would not lose again, and many thought he sought revenge of sorts over Shani who declined to compete in the team pursuit event. Hedrick never really figured in this event though. He has a slow start and not a lot of experience skating the 1000m. He finished 6th.

On the other hand, Joey Cheek, last week's gold medalist in the 500m, and the reigning world sprint champion, was better than everyone in the field except for Davis. Cheek clinched the silver for the USA and is the first American double medalist of these games.

Congratulations Shani and Joey on a job very well done!


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This entry has 21 comments: (Add your own)

• #21 Comment from yvettehoyte 
  2/26/06 6:15 PM | Permalink

  Hi I am 12 yrs old and I think that Mr. Davis did the right thing.  Why should he pass on the opportunity to win the gold and accomplish one of his goals, rather to have someone else accomplish theirs.  I think Chad was selfish for even suggesting that he should.  Mr. Davis, as well as all the other athletes worked hard for their accomplishments.  So please do not prosecute his decision.  He is one of my heros.
  
  P.S  Get Over it Chad.
  
               
• #20 Comment from saraluvsprince 
  2/22/06 3:29 AM | Permalink

  Where is the condemnation of Bode Miller's selfishness?
  
  He was more concerned about getting drunk the night before his competition than he was about properly representing the U.S. in the olympics.
  
  All these men were varying examples and degrees of arrogance and selfishness.
• #19 Comment from saraluvsprince 
  2/22/06 3:21 AM | Permalink

  Let us clarify the issue.
  
  Some are upset with Mr. Shani Davis.
  
  They are angry he didn't GIVE UP his chance at WINNING A GOLD MEDAL and SETTING A RECORD so Mr. Chad Hedrick could WIN A GOLD MEDAL and TIE A RECORD.
  
  I need to repeat this...
  
  PEOPLE EXPECTED SHANI DAVIS TO SACRIFICE BOTH WINNING A GOLD IN HIS STRONGEST COMPETITION AND POSSIBLY SET A RECORD BECAUSE THEY WANTED HIM TO HELP ANOTHER COMPETITOR WIN A GOLD AND TIE A DIFFERENT RECORD!!
  
  DO YOU BELIEVE MR. HEDRICK IS UPSET BECAUSE MR. DAVIS DIDN'T COMPETE WITH THE TEAM? I DON'T.
  
  CHAD HEDRICK IS ANGRY BECAUSE HIS SELFISHNESS DID NOT TAKE PRECEDENCE! HIS ONLY CONCERN WAS WINNING 5!
  
  THEY WERE BOTH SELFISH! GO U.S.A.
• #18 Comment from webnetpal1 
  2/21/06 4:54 PM | Permalink

  I think it's so funny to me how everybodyis jumping on Shani for being rude or whatever but when Chad made the " I'm happy for Joey" statement nobody seemed to have a probelm with that. to me that was rude and unprofessional and it showed alousy and animosity on the part of Chad.  There's no rule that says you have to jump up and down and buck dance while showing your pearlie whites during an interview. everybody handles victory differently. I'm sure if people came on your personal website the night before your race and called youthe N-word, said theyhated and told you that they hope you fall and break your limbs..... i'm sure you wouldnt be happy camper athlete either.  there's always a reason for everything.
  
  webnetpal1@aol.com
• #17 Comment from kitdutjonllc 
  2/21/06 4:17 PM | Permalink

  Herdick and Davis didn't deserve to win.  Their "bad boy attitude" does not show the true olympic spirit.  They were too focused on themselves; don't care how much time they put in to get there, they should realize that it's a dream to just be an olympian.  I'm afraid they show americans in a bad light, like we need that right now, and only thought of themselves.  Shame on both of them!!!!

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