American speed skater, Shani Davis will not be able to blame his disappointing performance at the Sochi Winter Games on his suit. After winning two gold metals and two silver metals in the Winter Games in 2006 and 2010, Davis has yet to metal yet in the Sochi Games and will go home without an individual metal.
In an attempt to win an individual metal, Davis reverted back to his old suit that he had used previously in world cup competition reported the Washington Post. Despite his efforts Davis finished seventh among 34 skaters with a score of 1 minute and 45.98 seconds in Saturday’s 1,500 meter.
As previously reported the U.S. speed skating team got permission to changed from their Under Armour, Mach39 suits, after not metaling in the first six events of the Sochi Games. Once thought to be a game-changer for American athletes, the suits turned out to be no such luck due to the vents on the back that were supposed to allow heat to escape. Instead this caused for air to enter creating a drag for the skaters.
Despite the poor performances at the Olympic Games, speed skating has been a strength for the United States. In years past, speed skating has accounted for 29 gold metals and 67 overall metals for the U.S.