A world silver medallist will not be representing the USA at the World Athletics Championships after refusing to sign a contract to wear Nike clothing
The sportswear giant holds the contract with the US Track and Field team, but despite Nick Symmonds agreeing to wear the stipulated clothing for all official team and press events and in competition, the organisation has demanded athletes pack only approved Nike gear for the entire trip to China.
Symmonds, an 800metres runner who won silver at the 2013 championships in Moscow and qualified for this year’s race by winning the US title in June, has a sponsorship contract with Brooks and maintained his right to wear his choice of clothing during his down-time while in Beijing.
Proud to have stood my ground and fought another battle for athletes' rights. A huge thank you to the media and fans for all your support.
— Nick Symmonds (@NickSymmonds) August 10, 2015
The US team does include former drugs cheat Justin Gatlin, who will be the biggest threat to Usain Bolt’s 100m crown, and long-distance runner Galen Rupp, the training partner and runner-up to 10,000m Olympic champion Mo Farah, who has been the subject of doping allegations stemming from his connection to coach Alberto Salazar, allegations both have strenuously denied.
