Nick Symmonds, a retired American middle-distance track star, is well-known in the world of athletics not just for his accomplishments on the track, but also for his distinctive nickname – “The Bison”
During his career, Symmonds won 7 NCAA Division III titles, 6 US National Championships in the 800 meters, and a silver medal in the 800 meters at the 2013 World Championships Since retiring from professional running in 2017, he has gained popularity on YouTube, amassing over 16 million subscribers.
But how exactly did this elite athlete get saddled with the nickname “The Bison”? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins of the moniker, its symbolism, and how it became an inseparable part of Symmonds’ personal brand.
The Origin Story Behind “The Bison” Nickname
In 2015, esteemed sports journalist Tim Layden wrote an article comparing the running styles of David Rudisha and Nick Symmonds. He described Rudisha’s stride as “beautiful, water flowing out of a pitcher.” In contrast, Layden characterized Symmonds’ form as more akin to that of a bison – powerful and determined, but visibly exerting effort to reach top speed.
This analogy stuck and soon Symmonds embraced “The Bison” as his animal avatar. The nickname likely also derives from Symmonds’ strength and endurance on the track. Like the American bison, renowned for its speed, power, and resilience, Symmonds consistently gutted out performances through sheer determination and grit.
Symbolism of the Bison Nickname
As “The Bison,” Symmonds came to embody the symbolic spirit of this iconic American mammal. Some key meanings behind the bison that also apply to Symmonds:
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Strength – Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run 35 mph. Symmonds displayed incredible physical strength across 800m and 1500m races.
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Resilience – Hunted nearly to extinction, bison made an amazing comeback. Symmonds rebounded from setbacks throughout his career with tenacity.
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Determination – Bison charges towards its goal with single-minded focus, similar to Symmonds giving his all in pursuit of victory.
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Freedom – As a wild symbol of the American West, the bison represents individualism and independence. Symmonds has challenged traditional norms and rules.
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Power – With huge shoulder muscles and horns, the bison epitomizes raw power. Symmonds unleashes powerful kicks down the final straightaway.
How “The Bison” Became Symmonds’ Brand
After the bison analogy first surfaced in 2015, Symmonds embraced the nickname and it became central to his brand. Some of the ways he has integrated “The Bison” into his persona over the years:
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Referring to himself as “The Bison” on his popular YouTube channel which covers fitness and running.
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Launching an athletic apparel line featuring bison iconography and “The Bison” motto.
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Leaning into fan questions about why he’s called “The Bison” and explaining the backstory.
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Collaborating with brands on “The Bison” themed ads and promotional content.
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Posting bison memes and running photos captioned with hashtags like #TheBison and #BuffaloNick.
The nickname has been mutually beneficial, providing Symmonds a distinctive brand identity beyond his racing achievements while giving fans and sponsors a memorable persona to rally behind.
Why the Bison Nickname Suits Symmonds’ Running Style
When the bison analogy first surfaced, some questioned whether it portrayed Symmonds’ running in an unflattering light. But the more one learns about bison physiology and behavior, the more the nickname fits.
Though not as graceful as some runners, bison are remarkably fast for their bulky stature. Similarly, Symmonds maximized the speed his muscle-bound 5’10” frame could generate, hitting a personal best of 1:42:95 in the 800m.
Bison also exert full effort when running, their hooves pounding the earth. Likewise, Symmonds left it all out on the track through sheer determination to win. As Layden noted, he visibly strained for every last ounce of speed.
Finally, bison run with a slight forward lean, their head and shoulders lowered like a battering ram. Watch footage of Symmonds finishing races, and you’ll often spot this same forward-hunched posture as he strains across the line first.
Why Nick Symmonds Embodies the Spirit of the Bison
While the bison nickname initially described his running form, Symmonds’ personality and competitive spirit also back up the comparison.
Like the bison, Symmonds excelled at individual pursuits where success relied entirely on his own efforts and abilities. Bison don’t run in herds; they charge ahead independently. Similarly, Symmonds found success in solo middle-distance races requiring mental toughness and physical grit.
The bison’s near-extinction story and subsequent comeback also mirrors Symmonds’ underdog narrative. Despite being undersized for a top-tier 800m runner at 5’10”, Symmonds persevered through setbacks and surpassed expectations. His career embodies the bison’s resilience.
Off the track, Symmonds displayed the bison’s stubborn streak.