Long Track Speed Skating

VANCOUVER - US speed skating star Shani Davis has a Japanese girlfriend, counts a Japanese rival as one of his friends and will carry a lucky mascot from the Asian nation on his skates at the 2010 Olympics.

Davis, who became the first black Winter Olympic individual event champion by capturing 1,000m gold in 2006, has even been dishing out advice to teenage Japanese teenage skater Miho Takagi.

"I'm a big fan of Japan. I have a lucky pendant and I love Pikachu (a cartoon character printed on his skate guards). He's my greatest fan," said the 27-year-old at the Olympic Oval at Richmond in Vancouver's suburbs, where he won 1500m gold at the world championships in 2009.

Davis said he was delighted to pass on tips to 15-year-old Takagi.

"It was realy nice to see someone so young on the circuit. It's an opportunity of a lifetime for her," said the American.

"(I told her) not to get too distracted. Most of the time it can get distracting if you are not used to it. When I was 15 I was watching the Olympics on television."

Davis admits he is also a fan of friend Joji Kato who will take part in the 500m.

"We talk all the time. His strength is his amazing speed from 100m. He runs those corners like nobody else. He is light as well. I think the ice conditions are good for him."

Davis added that his girlfriend will not be in Vancouver.

"She's supporting me from afar," he said.