Shani Davis
Shani Davis
Shani Davisis an Olympic Champion speed skater from the United States...
ProfessionSpeed Skater
Date of Birth13 August 1982
CityChicago, IL
challenge chase dreams happy knew took trying
It's tough, but I knew what I was getting myself into before I took the challenge. I'm happy that I didn't back down from the challenge of trying to chase my dreams and goals.
changes full happen knows open prepare venue
They have no idea how to prepare the ice. It changes every day and no one knows what will happen once the venue is full of spectators. It's the same for everyone though, so it's an open game.
hands two i-can
I have two hands. I can hold two medals.
jobs who-i-am
I’m already happy with who I am. My job is just to get on the podium.
jobs athlete who-i-am
I don't want to be a celebrity athlete. When you are, there's this pressure on you. It's like you have this halo over your head and have to walk on eggshells. That's not for me. All that glamour builds up a false sense of ego. It's not needed. I'm already happy with who I am. My job is just to get on the podium.
country athlete games
I never dreamed of being a flagbearer. Every athlete has a wish to get to the Olympic Games. I had that wish, but to carry the flag of your country is doubly thrilling.
winter games
I declare the 22nd Olympic Winter Games open.
growing-up champion want
I did not want to be a Champion growing up, just a fast skater.
race ice track
I can be really fast, but other people are in the race. So you've got to be able to maneuver around those guys, and you have to be a little more versatile out there on the ice. I bring my fitness that I gained from the long track over to here. Hopefully, I'll be able to put it to good use.
basketball baseball football
To me, personally, it doesn't matter what color I am. Black or white, Asian or Hispanic, it doesn't matter to me as long as the message I'm portraying to people that watch me on TV is positive and it shows that they can do things that are different besides catching a football, hitting a baseball or shooting a basketball. I'm just showing them that stepping outside the bubble is OK and they can be successful at it.
people skating tough
You've got to be tough. People are skating really well, and you've got to go out there and know you're a tough dude.
atmosphere bring dutch energy fans passionate speed
The Dutch fans are really passionate about speed skating. They bring a lot of energy and atmosphere to our sport.
last man standing
Last man standing -- that's what it is.
achieve believe hard hard-work kids mind paid sacrifice work
It showed that all the hard work and all the sacrifice paid off. Kids in general, if you put your mind to it and you believe it, you can achieve it.