Nick Symmonds, born on December 30, 1983, in Boise, Idaho, is a distinguished American middle-distance runner who made his mark in the 800 meters and 1500 meters events. A standout athlete at Willamette University, he clinched seven NCAA Division III titles outdoors, showcasing his exceptional talent early in his career.
Throughout his professional journey, Symmonds became a six-time US national champion in the 800 meters. He represented the United States at two Olympic Games, reaching the semi-finals in Beijing in 2008 and finishing fifth in the London 2012 final, where he achieved a personal best of 1:42.95, just behind David Rudisha's world record of 1:40.91. His prowess continued on the world stage, earning a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships after previously securing sixth and fifth places in the finals of 2009 and 2011, respectively.
In January 2014, Symmonds transitioned from a seven-year sponsorship with Nike to sign with Brooks Running. That same year, he co-founded Run Gum, a supplement company specializing in functional chewing gum, alongside his coach Sam Lapray. This venture marked a new chapter in his career as he sought to innovate within the fitness industry.
After retiring from competitive athletics, Symmonds gained significant popularity in 2020 through his engaging YouTube channel, which focuses on running, powerlifting, and fitness. His adventurous spirit led him to summit Mount Everest in May 2025, making him the first individual to achieve both this feat and run a sub-four-minute mile, with a remarkable personal best of 3:56.72 set in 2007.