By Alex Fox
Over the past several years Nick Symmonds has been able to dominate headlines in the world of US track and field; he’s won US Championships in dramatic fashion, medaled at the World Championships, and has championed the causes he believes in through social media, legal battles, and using his body as a platform for speech. Most recently, Symmonds has advocated for athletes to rep the gear of their sponsor, bowing out of the US team last summer due to USATF requiring Nike apparel to be worn at all times during the team’s trip abroad. As Symmonds ages however, his relevancy in the sport has declined; his performance last summer shocked many, and he is not a favorite to make this year’s Olympic squad. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the third fastest half miler in American history retires from the sport within the next few years, especially if he fails to qualify for Rio next week. Should Symmonds retire, he will more than likely take a less active role in advocacy for athletes, if he has any role at all. Yet as Symmonds’ period as an athlete and activist winds down, a new presence has emerged: Boris Berian.
We all know the story of Boris Berian: the former fast food employee who went from sleeping on a couch to 1:43 runner seemingly overnight. Berian’s career somewhat mirrors Symmonds, as both were classic underdog stories; Symmonds was an undersized DIII runner who dominated at OTC despite coaches overlooking him during his early life. Berian dropped out of DII Adams State before finding his groove with Big Bear Track Club. Berian’s rise to prominence is unparalleled in how quickly he went from raw talent to legitimate superstar, as he reached new heights yet again this winter with a World Indoor Championship. As runners like Symmonds and Duane Solomon reach the twilight of their career, Berian, just 23 years old, is leading the next charge of American half milers, a group that includes the incredible talents of Donovan Brazier and Clayton Murphy. The next major stage for Berian to prove himself will be the Olympic Trials. Should he make the team as he is expected to, Berian’s combination of strength and guts paired with blazing speed could make him a serious contender in Rio. If Berian is able to perform to his enormous potential in Rio, I think he could solidify himself as the next great 800 runner repping USA across his chest (and maybe break the national record chasing Rudisha). In this sense, he will be replacing Symmonds on the track as the premier 800 runner in the country.
Nick Symmonds was more than a runner, and if he leaves the sport, his absence will be felt off the track too. Once again, enter Boris Berian. In case you missed it, Berian has been battling former sponsor Nike over his right to be represented by New Balance. Berian signed a New Balance contract which Nike had the opportunity to match. The Oregon-based sponsor did match the contract, except with several reduction clauses. Berian opted to sign with New Balance, which resulted in Nike bringing Berian to court. Berian was up to the fight, risking his eligibility at the Olympic Trials to fight for his rights. Berian ultimately defeated the giant, which will hopefully set a precedent for other track athletes to standup for themselves in contract negotiations with potential sponsors. Berian didn’t just remind me of Symmonds because he was willing to fight, but he was also outspoken. Berian broke the norm and published the contracts on Letsrun.com, engaging the entire running community with his private battle. Symmonds also uses tactics that involves fans, giving us insight to otherwise undisclosed details about the sport off the track. Berian showed a lot of gusto in standing up to Nike, especially in an Olympic year; Symmonds has displayed similar moral fortitude, as he sacrificed an opportunity to run at the World Championships (possibly for the last time) to do what he felt was best for him and the sport. Should Berian capture the title of America’s best half miler, he has shown both the strength and willingness to use that platform for advocacy, speaking out for himself and his fellow athletes, a role that is currently occupied by Nick Symmonds. If and when Symmonds falls out of the public’s eye, it could very well be the former McDonalds employee, Boris Berian, who champions the causes of US track and field athletes.
Why is Boris Berian replacing Nick Symmonds so important to me, and why should it matter to you? This is something you may have asked yourself if you have read to this point. Well, the future of track and field depends on advocates like Symmonds and Berian to secure the rights of athletes so they will enter and remain in the sport. Boris Berian stood up to the sponsorship giant Nike and won. He proved that an athlete does not bend to the will of the sponsor. If I’m an athlete, I feel encouraged by Berian’s outcome and maybe standup for myself if I ever find myself in a similar situation. Nick Symmonds was outspoken about other issues, and brought them to the forefront of the sport. Without him or other vocal advocates, these problems would remain unsolved, and athletes would continue in their careers without a chance of remedy. Young athletes like Donovan Brazier or local legend John Lewis need to know they’ll have fair treatment in their professional careers as track athletes, or else they will look elsewhere to make a living. If track and field is ever going to be taken seriously as a sport in this country, we need not only the most talented athletes, but athletes who are happy and treated fairly. That’s why we as fans needed Nick Symmonds, should applaud his efforts, and should encourage the young and talented Boris Berian to continue to grow as a runner and a spokesperson for his peers.
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