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Shani Davis of the United States, left, Italy's Enrico Fabris, center, and U.S. star Chad Hedrick celebrate atop the podium after claiming silver, gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the men's 1,500-meter speedskating final.

Ultimately, Hedrick believed he and Davis were too focused on beating each other.

“I don’t agree with that,” Davis said. “He’s speaking from his view. From my personal view, I was just focused on doing my best.”

Davis ranted about building the rivalry between the two skaters into a blood feud, saying things were made up to hype the race.

Again, Hedrick dissented.

“Well, I have a different opinion from him, as always,” he said. “I think it’s great, me and Shani battling.”

Davis replied, “This is not a heavyweight fight. I totally disagree.”

Before the jousting began, Fabris posted a time of 1 minute, 45.97 seconds, then waited anxiously to see if any of the remaining four pairs could better him on the slow ice.

Hedrick skated in the next-to-last pair, his mind totally focused on putting up a time that Davis — skating in the last duo — wouldn’t be able to beat. But the Texan’s early pace was a little too fast, and his renowned endurance let him down on the last of the 3¾ laps. His final lap was nearly a second slower that Fabris, leaving a time of 1:46.22.

Hedrick knew he wasn’t going to win when he crossed the line, shaking his head.

“I didn’t come here to finish third,” he said. “I’m not happy with what I did.”

Then it was Davis’ turn. He, too, went out quickly — his normal strategy for the 1,500. He was more than a second ahead of Fabris’ pace going into the final lap, but went even slower than Hedrick over the final 400 meters.

Davis crossed the line in 1:46.13, smiling and shrugging his shoulders while Fabris celebrated in the infield.

The Italian broke up the American hold on gold medals at these games, becoming the first non-U.S. skater to win one in an individual race. It was Fabris’ second gold, having helped the Italians win the team pursuit. He also won bronze in the 5,000.

Hedrick and Davis are done with each other for these games. Hedrick races Friday in the 10,000; Davis is finished.

After the bouquets were presented, Davis and Hedrick left the podium without exchanging the traditional handshake.

“There’s nothing to kiss and hug about,” Hedrick said.