(Image Credit: Pavel Golokin/AP Photo)

American Shani Davis fell short of skating his way into the Olympic record books today when he failed to earn a third consecutive gold medal in the men's 1,000 meter speed skating event.

Davis made no secret of the fact that he wanted to make it a "three-peat" and has called the 1000 meter distance - his specialty - "my baby."

prepared to defend again!!! focused & calm before the battle on the Black Sea… #1000m

- Shani Davis (@ShaniDavis) February 12, 2014

The 31-year-old from Chicago started the race strong and focused, but appeared to run out of steam in the final lap.

His time of 1:09.12 put him in eighth place - well out of medal contention.

Tough one. Just didn't have it today. But I also know strength comes from adversity. Just gotta reload for #1500 on sat.

— Shani Davis (@ShaniDavis) February 12, 2014

And thanks everyone from everywhere who's had my back or cheered. Really moved by how much love is out there. Very grateful for that!

— Shani Davis (@ShaniDavis) February 12, 2014

Davis, the first African-American to win an individual gold in the Winter Olympics, has appeared in two prior Olympics, in 2006 and 2010, where he also earned two silver medals in the 1,500 meters.

The Dutch continued their speed skating domination in Sochi, with Stefan Groothuis taking gold. His countryman, Michel Mulder, the 500 meter champion, took bronze. Canadian Denny Morrison won the silver.

Davis will have at least two more opportunities to medal in Sochi when he competes in the 1,500 and 5,000 meter races.