SHANI DAVIS
Born:1982 – Chicago IL USA
Resides: Calgary AB Canada
World’s Highest Ranking: First
World Titles: 2005 World Allround Champion
2004 – 1500 meters World Single Distance Champion
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Shani Davis was born on Friday, August 13, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised by his mother, on the south side, he started roller-skating at local rinks at age two. At age three, Shani used to dart around the roller rink so fast that many times the skate guards would chase him just to ask him to slow down. Seeming to become bored with roller-skating, by age six, it was suggested by a coach that Shani switch to ice. Shortly thereafter, his mother started working for an attorney, Fred Benjamin, whose son, Jeff, just happened to be involved in speed skating at an elite level. It was at that time that Benjamin suggested that Shani give speed skating a try.
Shani joined the Evanston Speedskating Club at age six and within two months started competing locally. Though immediately taking to ice, at competitions Shani was generally more interested in running around with his competitors and playing video games than he was with competing. Nevertheless, by age 8, he was winning regional competitions in his age group and began hearing about the Olympic ideal from his Northbrook competitors and friends. Shani’s mother encouraged him to participate, and in an effort to build his endurance, woke him most mornings to run a mile on a track close to their home. As there were and still are no speed skating clubs in the inner city of Chicago, at age 10, Shani and his mother moved to the far north side of the city to be closer to the rink.
“My mom never thought of herself first, and I credit most of my success to her. She continues to manage my career and is always there for me.” (more…)
More From theblkinformant
Sphere: Related Content
