Davis to Compete in 5 Events

Based on his comments earlier this month, it was assumed Shani Davis would skip the 10,000m individual and compete in team pursuit in 2010.  However, he missed the Dec. 24^th cutoff date and instead is entered in all 5 individual events, something not attempted by an American since Eric Heiden in 1980.  You can’t help but wonder what triggered the decision; he got a ton of flack over not participating in pursuit last Olympics.  The implication being he wasn’t a team player and let the US down.  Originally, the 10,000m spot was slated for Chad Hedrick, Davis’ rival in Torino and one of his most vocal detractors in 2006.  Both Davis and Hedrick have remained silent on the issue this time around.  Hedrick says he wants to concentrate on his stronger, shorter distances and Davis has made no comment.  Heiden swept gold in Lake Placid; perhaps Davis wants the same.