It is hard for an athlete to fully express the gratitude felt toward a person who has shared in their journey both the heartbreak and joy of competitive sport. A coach is the one person that "gets it" like no one else can. When an opportunity presents itself to honor the person who has helped you achieve your goal, well, most athletes will certainly take it.
After his 1500m medal ceremony, Shani Davis presented US Speedskating Long Track Coach Ryan Shimabukuro and US Speedskating National Assistant Short Track Coach Jimmy Jang The Order of Ikkos.
Ikkos of Tarentum is the first recorded Olympic coach in ancient Greece. Ikkos won the pentathlon at the 84th Olympiad in 444 B.C. and later became known for his successful coaching ability.
Ryan has been a US Speedskating coach since 1998 where he held the position of Junior National Team and Midwest Regional Development Coach. In 2002 he became National Sprint Team Coach and works with developing our Long Track sprinters (500, 1000 & occasionally 1500m) for international competitions such as the Olympics.
Jimmy has coached Short Track skaters for many years and has always been the very animated one in the coaches box urging his skaters to be the best they can be. He has recently joined the national team in Salt Lake City, UT and is bringing his enthusiasm to the Olympic Games.
Ryan said (on his Facebook page) of this "I am deeply honored to be presented The Order of Ikkos by Shani Davis..."
I cannot speak for Shani, but I'm sure he was privileged to be able to thank Ryan and Jimmy in this way for their help and guidance.
Congratulations to Ryan and Jimmy for this acheivement. It is an honor to have coaches revered by our speedskating "family"!
