PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — Shani Davis is one of the greatest long-track speedskaters in history, a man who dominated two races for a decade, set world records, won four Olympic medals and became the all-time World Cup points leader.
To his fellow skaters, he is an icon, an inspiration, a mentor, a friend.
“He’s a legend. It’s an honor to race against him,” said Joey Mantia, who last month edged Davis at the U.S. Olympic trials in the 1,000 meters, the race in which Davis won Olympic gold in 2006 and repeated in 2010.
“I looked up to Shani when I was little,” said three-time Olympian Brian Hansen.