Star wrote:
I'd hate to see him miss out on the chance to compete.
Even a successful suit doesn't get that back for you.
But he's already made 5 or 6 national teams and I agree that it is quit a stretch to think he will medal again.
I agree he would get much more attention if he boycotts.
However, I don't think it will ultimately change much.
Michael Jordan had to wear the Reebok warm-up for the 92 Olympics but draped the flag over the Reebok logo to cover it up when they were on the podium.
Symmonds is no Michael Jordan.
It's precisely because Symmonds is no Michael Jordan that this is such a big deal. When Jordan played on the US national team and had to wear Reebok, it was an annoyance to him and to Nike but not a big deal because Jordan had so many other opportunities to wear Nike in conspicuous settings [and of course so many sources of income.]
T&F athletes, on the other hand, receive very little attention outside of times when they are wearing the national uniform. This is a great opportunity for Symmonds to draw attention to the issue of how bad the USATF / Nike deal is for athletes while missing a competition he seems to be ok with missing.
If the athletes ever REALLY want to move the needle on the issue of the USATF / Nike deal, I think a significant number of non-Nike athletes are going to need to withdraw from the Olympic team after qualifying. Don't see it happening, but that's the kind of action that could drive actual change. [and would absolutely infuriate both Nike and USATF].