Nick Symmonds, America’s current number one 800 metre runner, has been left sponsor-less after his contract with Nike expired at the end of 2013.
This is the first time the 30-year-old has been left without a sponsor for seven years, and it comes just months after he claimed his first medal at a major championship.
Symmonds picked up silver at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow and one year earlier recorded his personal best, 1.42.95, at the London Olympics, making him the third fastest American, ever.
For the first time in 7 years I am without an apparel sponsor. Forced to workout in the nude till a deal is signed üò≥ pic.twitter.com/FFLHNFOjV6
— Nick Symmonds (@NickSymmonds) January 1, 2014
Since graduating from Willamette in 2006, the five-time USA outdoor champion has been part of Nike’s Oregon Track Club under coach Mark Rowland.
The American’s career further boasts two World Championship finals, 2008 and 2012 Olympian, seven-time NCAA Champion (Willamette University) and nine-time State Champion (Idaho-Bishop Kelly HS).
Symmonds made his intentions of breaking the national record, currently held by Johnny Gray in 1.42.60, in 2014, as well as breaking the beer mile world record currently held by Australian Josh Harris in 5.04.9.
The 30-year-old set the American beer mile record in August 2012 with a time of 5.15, which lead to the below video by TMZ going viral.
As well as his success on the track, Symmonds is known for being very vocal and honest off the track.
At the Moscow World Championships he was very outspoken on Russia’s anti-gay laws and went on to dedicate his silver medal to his gay and lesbian friends.
The American has also been forthright when it comes to track and field meets and the restrictions they hold. He suggested that beer and betting should be allowed at meets to attract more spectators and interest around the sport.
Symmond’s presence both on and off the track make him an incredibly marketable athlete, it would be a surprise to many if he wasn’t snatched up soon.
