BHP - Shani Davis

This is history in the making. On February 17, 2006 Shani Davis was the first African-American to win the Olypmic Gold medal in the 1,000 meter Speed Skating.

Born: 1982 - Chicago, IL USA
Resides: Calgary AB Canada
World's Highest Ranking: First
World Titles: 2005 World All-round Champion, 2004 - 1500 meters World Single Distance Champion
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.

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 won five National Age Group Championships in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 and has also won a North American Championship in 1999. Shani does not concentrate on making black history. Before becoming the first black to make a U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team in 2002, Shani began making history at age 17 when he became the first U.S. skater to earn spots on both the short track and long track Junior World Teams and accomplished that feat three years in a row in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Shani won his first international medals when he won the 1500 meters.