Print article DESHKA LANDING — The 2021 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race marked Dallas Seavey’s return to the race he dominated the previous decade, and he came into it wanting to make a statement. He did exactly that with the laser-focus approach that made him a four-time champion before he turned 30. He ran a methodical race that left everyone chasing him and now, at age 34, he’s a five-time champion. Shortly after crossing the Deshka Landing finish line Monday morning to match Rick Swenson as the Iditarod’s winningest musher, Seavey made another statement, a sharp and carefully worded explanation for why he left the race for three years and why he’s back now.