Nick Symmonds, the American national champion at 800 meters, was left off the United States team for the world track and field championships in a dispute involving athletes’ individual endorsements and requirements to wear official team gear.
Symmonds has refused to sign a document that requires American athletes to wear gear made by Nike at official team functions at the world championships, which begin Aug. 22 in Beijing. Nike is the official sponsor of U.S.A. Track & Field.
Symmonds, 31, who is sponsored by Brooks Running, called the document vague and overreaching. He said he was willing to wear Team USA gear during competition and official news conferences and at any awards ceremony.