Print the Biography/Short

Shani Davis

United States

SportSpeed Skating
FederationIDSSUSA11308198201
NOCUnited States
Born13 Aug 1982 in  Chicago, IL
GenderMen
OccupationCoach
LanguagesEnglish
FamilySon Ayize
Personal Bests
EventRecordDateLocation 
Personal Bests
  Event RecordDateLocation 
    500m 34.78 06 Mar 2009 Salt Lake City, UT  
    1000m 1:06.42 07 Mar 2009 Salt Lake City, UT  
    1500m 1:41.04 11 Dec 2009 Salt Lake City, UT  
    5000m 6:10.49 18 Mar 2006 Calgary  
    10000m 13:05.94 19 Mar 2006 Calgary  
Main Achievements
 
Main Achievements
Olympic Games
Event  
Olympic Games
    1000m 2      
    1500m   2    
World Allround Championships
Event  
World Allround Championships
    Allround 2 1 1  
World Single Distances Championships
Event  
World Single Distances Championships
    1000m 4   3  
    1500m 3 3    
    Team Pursuit 8 Laps 1 1    
World Sprint Championships
Event  
World Sprint Championships
    Overall 1 1 2  
General Interest
General Interest
Memorable sporting achievementWinning a gold medal in the 1000m at the 2015 World Single Distances Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands. (isu.org, 16 Jun 2017; Athlete, 26 Feb 2016)  
Sport Specific Information
Sport Specific Information
Reason for choosing this sportHe initially tried roller skating but quickly became bored as he would get in trouble for skating around the rink too fast. At age six a coach suggested he switch to ice skating. Shortly after his mother started working for a lawyer, whose son was involved in speed skating at an elite level. These influences led him to switch, and he joined the Evanston Speed Skating Club the same year.  
General Interest
General Interest
Awards and honoursHe received the Oscar Mathisen Award in 2005 and 2009, and the Major Taylor Award in 2006. (shanidavis.org, 20 Oct 2012)

In 2005 he was named US Speed Skating Athlete of the Year. (US Speed Skating, 18 Apr 2005)
 
Sport Specific Information
Sport Specific Information
When and where did you begin this sport?He began roller skating at age two in Chicago, IL, United States of America. He took up skating on ice at age six at the Evanston Speed Skating Club, also in Chicago.  
General Interest
General Interest
Sporting philosophy / motto"Just do it." (Athlete, 26 Feb 2016)  
Other informationRETIREMENT
In November 2019 he announced his retirement from the sport. He planned to take up a coaching role with Chinese elite junior skaters in the lead-up to the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. "It was just enough. I had a long career, and there's other things that I wanted to do with my life. Skating will always be my first love, so I'm happy I'm able to stay close to it." (olympics.nbcsports.com, 24 Nov 2019)

WORLD CUP POINTS RECORD
After finishing second in the 1000m at the 2016 World Cup event in Heerenveen, Netherlands, he passed Jeremy Wotherspoon's tally of 13009 points to become the all-time leading points scorer at World Cup events. "I did not expect to ever pass Jeremy. He is a class apart." (schaatsen.nl, 13 Dec 2016)

EARLY DAYS
Growing up in a single parent family in Chicago, IL, United States of America, he jokes that his quest for speed began when he had to run away from tougher kids. Getting into speed skating also brought him some unwanted attention. "It takes a lot of courage to step out and do something different, especially if it's not popular. People are always going to find something negative to draw out of something you love. All my friends made fun of me, but I found ways to make fun of them. Now, they're like, 'I can't believe you stuck with it, man. We used to give you so much crap'." (jsonline.com, 02 Nov 2005)
 
Hero / IdolUS basketballer Michael Jordan, Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba. (Athlete, 26 Feb 2016)  
InjuriesHe was affected by a groin injury during the 2012/13 season. (shanidavis.org, 01 Oct 2013)  
Other sportsIn 2004 he became the first US skater to be on both the short track and speed skating national team for a world championships. He achieved the same feat in 2005. (shanidavis.org, 23 May 2005)  
Social Media
Social Media
www.shanidavis.org/  
twitter.com/ShaniDavis  
General Interest
General Interest
Most influential person in careerHis mother. (Athlete, 26 Feb 2016)  
MilestonesAt the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver he became the first male speed skater to win two Olympic gold medals in the 1000m, after he also claimed victory at the 2006 Games in Turin. (nytimes.com, 18 Feb 2010; SportsDeskOnline, 15 Dec 2020)  
Championships results
Year Competition Event Rank  
Championships results
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships 500m1  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships 1000m1  
    2006 Olympic Games 1000m1  
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships 500m1  
    2008/2009 World Sprint Championships Overall1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 1000m1  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships 1000m1  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 1000m1  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2003/2004 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2003/2004 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2010 Olympic Games 1000m1  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps2  
    2013/2014 World Sprint Championships Overall2  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2003/2004 World Allround Championships Allround2  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2006 Olympic Games 1500m2  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2010 Olympic Games 1500m2  
    2006/2007 World Sprint Championships Overall3  
    2003/2004 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships Allround3  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships 1000m3  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 1000m3  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 1000m3  
    2010/2011 World Sprint Championships Overall3  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships 1500m4  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships 1500m4  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 5000m5  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 1500m5  
    2011/2012 World Sprint Championships Overall5  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 1000m5  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 1000m5  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships Allround6  
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships Allround7  
    2014 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 8 Laps7  
    2006 Olympic Games 5000m7  
    2018 Olympic Games 1000m7  
    2004/2005 World Sprint Championships Overall7  
    2005/2006 World Sprint Championships Overall8  
    2014 Olympic Games 1000m8  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships 2 x 500m9  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 5000m10  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 1500m11  
    2003/2004 World Single Distances Championships 10000m11  
    2014 Olympic Games 1500m11  
    2010 Olympic Games 5000m12  
    2015/2016 World Sprint Championships Overall13  
    2002/2003 World Allround Championships Allround16  
    2003/2004 World Single Distances Championships 5000m16  
    2018 Olympic Games 1500m19  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 2 x 500m22  
    2014 Olympic Games 2 x 500m24  
    2014/2015 World Sprint Championships Overall25  
World Cups
Year Competition Event Rank  
World Cups
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification 1000m1  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification Overall1  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 1000m1  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 1000m1  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 1000m1  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 1000m1  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 1000m1  
    2004/2005 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2005/2006 Collalbo 1000m1  
    2007/2008 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2007/2008 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2004/2005 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2003/2004 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2004/2005 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2004/2005 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2007/2008 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2007/2008 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2007/2008 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2005/2006 Milwaukee, WI 1000m1  
    2003/2004 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2005/2006 Milwaukee, WI 1000m1  
    2005/2006 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2002/2003 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2002/2003 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround1  
    2005/2006 Collalbo 1000m1  
    2005/2006 Calgary 1500m1  
    2012/2013 Astana 1500m1  
    2010/2011 Hamar Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2010/2011 Berlin Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2012/2013 Harbin 1000m1  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2007/2008 Erfurt 1000m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Hamar 1500m1  
    2007/2008 Inzell 1000m1  
    2007/2008 Inzell 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2012/2013 Calgary, AB 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2009/2010 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m1  
    2010/2011 Berlin 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Nagano 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Nagano 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Erfurt 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Hamar 1500m1  
    2009/2010 Calgary 1000m1  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2013/2014 Inzell 1000m1  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2011/2012 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2013/2014 Astana 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Erfurt 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2007/2008 Baselga di Piné 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2010/2011 Obihiro 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB 1000m1  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m1  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Erfurt 1000m1  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2008/2009 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Berlin 1500m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2009/2010 Berlin 1000m1  
    2011/2012 Berlin 1000m1  
    2006/2007 Calgary 1500m1  
    2005/2006 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m1  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification 1000m2  
    2003/2004 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround2  
    2004/2005 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround2  
    2003/2004 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround2  
    2005/2006 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m2  
    2007/2008 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m2  
    2002/2003 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround2  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen 1500m2  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk Team Pursuit 8 Laps2  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps2  
    2016/2017 Heerenveen 1000m2  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT Team Pursuit 8 Laps2  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB 1500m2  
    2007/2008 Erfurt 1000m2  
    2008/2009 Changchun 1000m2  
    2013/2014 Heerenveen 1000m2  
    2012/2013 Calgary, AB 1000m2  
    2010/2011 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m2  
    2009/2010 Calgary 1500m2  
    2010/2011 Obihiro 1000m2  
    2007/2008 Calgary 1500m2  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk 1500m2  
    2008/2009 Berlin 1000m2  
    2012/2013 Harbin 1000m2  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1500m2  
    2007/2008 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m2  
    2006/2007 Calgary 1000m2  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification Overall3  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 1000m3  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 1000m3  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification Overall3  
    2003/2004 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround3  
    2002/2003 North American & Oceanic Wch Allround Qualifier Allround3  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 5000m3  
    2011/2012 Berlin Team Pursuit 8 Laps3  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps3  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 500m3  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen 1500m3  
    2016/2017 Nagano 1500m3  
    2015/2016 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m3  
    2014/2015 Heerenveen 1500m3  
    2008/2009 Erfurt 1500m3  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1000m3  
    2013/2014 Berlin 1000m3  
    2008/2009 Changchun 1000m3  
    2006/2007 Berlin 1500m3  
    2010/2011 Hamar 1500m3  
    2007/2008 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m3  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 1500m4  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 1500m4  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification 1500m5  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 1000m6  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification 1000m8  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 1000m8  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification 1500m8  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 1500m9  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 1500m9  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification Overall11  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m11  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification Overall12  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m13  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m15  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 500m16  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification 1500m19  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification 1000m19  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m19  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification Overall19  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 500m21  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m28  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 500m28  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m28  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 500m30  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 500m37  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 500m39  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m42  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 100m43  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 500m46  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 500m46