You’re known for your fast finish in the 800m. Is that the product of a strong body or a strong mind?
A bit of both. The way that I train certainly allows me to tap into the limited energy that I have at the end of a race. I train more like a miler, doing 70 miles a week and 13-mile long runs. And then I just want it. When I see the finish line, I find a way to get there.
What was your greatest ever run?
Moscow 2013, where I won my silver, was my greatest. But the race I’m most proud of is the Olympic trials in 2008. That’s when I became an Olympian. In our sport, unfortunately, you’re either an Olympian or viewed as a hobby jogger. There’s a clear distinction in terms of financial support and public appreciation between those who’ve made the team and those who haven’t.
You’ve also tried your hand at some more leftfield events, such as the Beer Mile. Would you like to see other elite athletes follow suit?
I’d like to see athletes understand that they don’t get paid to run fast. They get paid to move product. In order to sell stuff, they need to be entertaining. I always encourage young athletes to take control of their brand and to remember that they’re entertainers.
What are your thoughts on Rule 40 – a rule banning athletes from mentioning non-Olympic sponsors – at the Rio Olympics?
Well, it’s just absolute bullshit. We are independent contractors, not employees, yet the governing bodies want to treat us like employees. But they don’t pay benefits, they don’t pay a liveable wage, they don’t pay healthcare. It’s insane the things they ask independent contractors to do.
What’s the greatest lesson running has taught you?
Perseverance. Any successful person, no matter the profession, understands that they’ve had to persevere. If you want to be the best, you have to persevere – through injuries, through shitty coaching, through travel nightmares. I wanted it so bad, I was willing to persevere.
If you could go for a run with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Barack Obama. Certainly if I could sit down for coffee with anyone, it would be him. So I’m choosing Barack and I’m hoping he’d be fit enough to run and carry on a conversation!
Talking of politics, you’ve spoken out against US gun laws. Would you like to see other athletes use their profile as a means to make positive change?
I would never suggest that an athlete utilises their platform in a way that they didn’t feel comfortable. For me, I wanted to make my career about more than just running around in circles. It’s something I needed to do to be inspired by my running.
When you hang up your spikes, what do you see yourself doing?
I’m the CEO of Run Gum, a sports supplements company based here in the US, so I work hard at that. I’m also an amateur mountain climber, aspiring to be pro. My goal is to climb the tallest mountain on every continent.
Finally, describe yourself as a runner in one word.
Powerful.
Nick Symmonds is a two-time Olympian (nicksymmonds.com) and CEO of Run Gum (getrungum.com)
