U.S. Speedskater Shani Davis misses out on third straight gold

SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. speedskater and two-time gold medalist Shani Davis failed to secure a record breaking third-straight gold medal in the men's 1,000-meter competition at the Sochi Games.

Davis, a favorite in the event, came up short and finished in eighth place, with Stefan Groothuis claiming the gold for the Netherlands. A win would have made Davis the first male speed skater to win gold in the same event in three consecutive Olympics.

Denny Morison of Canada and Michel Mulder of Netherlands, won the silver and bronze medals respectively. Groothius' winning run came in the 16th pair, when he was teamed with Germany's Nico Ihle. He skated a time of 1:08.39 at the Adler Arena.

Davis' teammates also failed to do well, with Brian Hansen finishing in ninth place, followed by Joey Mantia in 15th and Jonathan Garcia in 28th.

The U.S. skaters, who were expected to do well, have been blown away by the Dutch skaters, who have won eight of the nine medals awarded in men's speed skating.

[NPR] [USAToday]