2008 Olympic Trials Men's 800m Race Recap

[@NickSymmondsToo]

It's been fun going back and watching some of my best races, but believe me, I had some really bad ones too! Races where I made mistakes and lost big as a result. I really believe we can learn just as much from our losses as we can from our wins (maybe even more!). So, on this channel, I will also be breaking down some of the races where I made big mistakes. Please consider subscribing if that sounds interesting to you!

[@lackzoom]

Love these recaps!

[@theyeetgangohyeahyeah2053]

Nick, do you think that I can run a 2400m in 8:28? My record now is around 9:00 and I have till may to train. Love the content

[@brunomcleod]

@James F Yes totally! Go for it! I’m 12 as well, and when I before I first got sub 20 for 5 ks my pb was around 20 mins, and I just wanted to get sub 20, and I managed to do it, and after that race, a week or so later I got almost sub 19:30! (19:33) if I got say one thing that helps me, is that when I’m near the end, (200 metres ish,) I think, this will be over really soon, and I will be really annoyed If I dont get the time I want, so I think just suck it up and run as fast as you can. Good luck for getting sub 20! You can do it! :D

[@Liam-uc9xk]

It sure does!!!

[@hakangul1207]

Iiws

[@benfields6918]

Who else got emotional when Nick hugged his mom :)

[@peachycranberry]

Me 🥺🤧 that was such a beautiful race and moment overall! Incredible race and video Nick! Thanks for inspiring! 🙏🏾

[@ADE1000SON]

I did.

[@bobfreeedu]

24s at the first 200m 😿

[@marcumxc]

Big tears

[@JosiahProvan]

Races like this are why I love track.

[@KorZen10]

Unless you're Khadevis Robinson

[@bradentankersley]

Nick: “I don’t wanna give too much away” Also Nick: “When I crossed that line in 1st place”

[@ABLQuality]

😂😂

[@homobieraiolus8962]

I am a 400m guy who is transitioning into 800m. “Be patient, a gap will form” is the lesson I bring back home from today.

[@NickSymmondsToo]

they always do in the 800!! And it's something sprinters have a hard time waiting for when they first run the 800.

[@NickCager]

You run 7.04 meters FURTHER by running a full lap in the second lane... 14.08 meters further in the 3rd lane, etc. Be patient and hit the gap... or lose with foolish bravery and guts! I see professional runners doing this when they have laps left in a race... unreal.

[@Thomas-fk3cw]

@@NickCager Merging Nick's comments with yours, I guess in an 800 the ideal place to be is inside rail for first 500 meters, go to outside shoulder of lead runner(s) with 200 or so to go to control race as Nick said? With 200 to go you're still going to run a little further but at that point you need to put hammer down and go.

[@scottgilmour749]

@@Thomas-fk3cw In an ideal world we'd all want to b there but we can't. As for which lane to be in. I'd rather run a slow paced race in lane three than the inside lane sitting three back.

[@mattoniy2840]

You're so brave for transitioning , they must be proud

[@penguinmilkshake6257]

When you talked about the slingshot technique I actually used that technique in my high school freeman XC meet. I went from seventh place to first and I won the race

[@NickSymmondsToo]

WELL DONE!!!

[@quadraticf]

that's insane lmao

[@delfyrulezd00d]

Gosh that last 150m you pulled off in this race ALWAYS makes me smile its just WOAH💪💪

[@datnosedough]

When I was 8, this race was that made me fall in love with track and field. My fam had tickets on the backstretch for all of the trials. All I remember was the dive and Hayward just going crazy but still one of my favorite memories so I go back and watch the replay occasionally. Thanks for the awesome recap (:

[@stt5v2002]

I have watched this race dozens of times. It embodies everything I love about running. Great athletes that aren't afraid to take it out fast. Tactics, patience, and emotional control - the mental part of racing. A perfectly time move. A vicious kick to overtake in the final stretch. A desperate dive at the line to eke out third place and fulfill a lifelong dream. Loved it!

[@TheNateisgrate1]

Even though I’m an athlete in a different sport, all of the emotions you describe carry so much weight. As I gear up to race olympic trials, this is the inspiration to “leave everything on the track” and “don’t waste this opportunity”

[@kennethwoods6525]

"Oh my God, Andrew's gonna pass me. Andrew's going to steal my moment!" LOL being inside a runner's head. The stuff that perculates to the surface! Thanks, Nick!

[@Cmass9]

I watched this race as an 8th grader and it made me start running track. My favorite race to date. Thank you, Nick!!

[@mitchellpfeiffer6397]

Never get tired of this race! Favorite part on the broadcast is hearing you go “Oh sh*t!” hopping back over the fence.

[@dagoat1945]

Already know it’s gonna be a banger

[@NickSymmondsToo]

haha thank you!! Hope you find it interesting/informative.

[@dagoat1945]

@@NickSymmondsToo thanks for replying! I watch all your videos and you’re are true inspiration to me. I have a long term goal to one day join team USA and watching and hearing about your experiences really inspires me to push myself to complete my goals.

[@tristanrosas4521]

@@dagoat1945 what’s your main event?

[@dagoat1945]

@@tristanrosas4521 1600m, hbu?

[@phillylifer]

I think the 8 is the most brutal event in sport. (miler here) Well done.

[@ZAESZONE]

This is so inspirational. As a former collegiate 60m, 1,2,400m guy that is 27 now and just running city marathons with occasional sprint workouts to stay in shape and have fun, it’s so amazing to think back on old races and feel those moments again. That feeling you had winning the trials must’ve been incredible. Keep up the great work! Love the videos.

[@joethielman5689]

I was there, in that thunderous noise, adding my voice. I have watched that race probably 15-20 times. But I never seen nor heard any responses from the participants. This was truly enjoying hearing your analysis. Thank you.

[@paulclarke7571]

I ran at Hayward field back in the early 80s when our Canadian track team would come down there. Man, was that surface hard on the shins. Just loved the Oregon vibe. Best years of my life.

[@patricktflowers11317]

Amazing advice from his coach at the beginning. Literally in a tough mental state right now, feeling a lot of pressure with some big races coming up. This is just what I needed.

[@dancer1]

Proud of you Nick

[@EliteMBer]

what a gorgeous performance, I never took the track and field route in school but man watching this, I wish I did. so beautiful

[@theonlykolson8558]

It's ironic that I literally watched a video of that race yesterday and then you post this video. Keep up the good work Nick!

[@rosh6616]

Nick you videos are so interesting just fun to watch you all time

[@emilrasmussen5669]

This was a really beautiful story Nick. Keep making more. I think they're really inspirational! Didn't know that you wrote a book, i'll definitely check it out:)

[@nikagogibedashvili6476]

It's so rewarding to follow the path of a successful, hard-working and intelligent man at the same time. The more you talking is inside it, the more I enjoy your videos, Nick.

[@gabriellemoll5767]

I broke a new record over the weekend and ran a 2:41 for an 800 m! I feel like these videos are motivation to get even faster. I am just trying to do all the sports my school is providing to stay fit. I do 100-125 pushups a day to stay strong. Honestly these videos are the one thing getting me through all this tough fitness work.. I am nervous for track and field because of competition and not knowing which events to do.. welp love watching these videos!!!! Hoping to bring my mi time to 5 min pace by high school

[@thomaspellinger5368]

I was fortunate to see this race in person. I had just submitted my dissertation for my PhD in Human Physiology at UO & tickets to the T&F Olympic Trials were my reward. We were almost across from the finish line, so we had a great view for that incredible finish. It was certainly the loudest I'd heard it at Historic Hayward Field. Great recap!

[@HOWIRONIC2]

One of the best channels to follow keep up the good work Bison

[@rivertaig8703]

I was there for that race - ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING. I've seen a lot of magic at Hayward, but the Oregon sweep in 2008 at the trials was next level - Nick's dominace, the yellow U of O singlet (Andrew Wheating), and that amazing dive by the underdog Christian Smith at the line. A great moment that I'll never forget.

[@danvillalba2497]

I was in high school in 2008, and this was the most exciting race I had ever seen. So cool to see the recap from your perspective!

[@RipperYouTubeOfficial]

Hey Nick, Ripper from season 2 of Tiger King here. I was a long distance runner back in the 80s, and watched you many times run my race, I mean the 800. I've heard 2 people from the Olympic race say had you not been in the finals, they wouldn't have had to go out so fast, and stay far enough ahead of you to prevent you from slingshotting past them. Your kick was the reason that was one of the fastest, and best 800s of all time. That's ALOT of power you had in controlling a race, even though you didn't know it.

[@temp850]

Love, Nick. So real. You are a champion runner but also speak as an everyday man, that makes us all feel included.

[@ZZLZ-cj8tl]

Excellent! Wow! Exactly the way the video was shown. Your 1:42 time in the previous Olympics would be Gold Medal. You ran 51 seconds twice nonstop. Honestly if the competition was not in the way and you did not have to go around other runners I believe your time will go way under 1:42. All those heats! Flying! Durable Great Runner!

[@nick5422]

Always good to see a race recap from my idol👍 Thanks for the vids Nick!

[@NickSymmondsToo]

thanks for watching!

[@stacysmith7176]

Yeah I always support nick

[@MaxwellBenson80]

Seeing you hit warp 10 and power by those top tier runners is pure awesomeness! I wish my school had a track and field program when I was younger. I played soccer from the age of 5 to my young 20's and really loved running distance and sprinting. Thanks for sharing this with us!!

[@jonashelfrich8744]

You formed that gap actually like Moses did in the ocean! Still can’t believe it yet! Such a great, informative and inspiring video, thank you Nick🙏🏼

[@peddlerofbombast6982]

Nick "The Kick" Symmonds.

[@runforrestrun6103]

Can't get enough of this video.wish I had been there.

[@cindygirlification]

I used to race 800m .Those last 150 m sprint finishes still stick in my mind 30 years later .

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

I watched this race for the first time a couple weeks ago. I thought for sure you were going to get stuck on the rail with no way out. As soon as that little gap opened you were gone. I bet the stress and anticipation coming into that last turn was off the charts.

[@justnature1900]

I didnt know you b4 I started binge watching your KZbin videos but I've become a huge fan

[@cocaccount1914]

your videos are gold, every aspect. im glad we can have a glance at your experience. hi5 from chile!

[@amitgaurav773]

This was one of the best race I ever saw.

[@ephorntube]

Amazing story! Thanks for sharing. Way to set up the Olympic trials!

[@edgaraguilar8333]

This pumped me up. I want to throw down on a race already. Thanks for sharing this amazing story Nick.

[@Goku-el3lk]

I raced Andrew Wheating back in 2006 in HS to run my PR for that season. I think he ran a 1:53 with me dragging almost 10 seconds behind him lol but Andrew was remarkable crushing the field telling us he was a soccer player.

[@loganseaburg8041]

This second channel is such a great source for chill running videos.

[@BRANDONDLSS]

U r so my inspiration. The only athlete with such calibre to still being humble. I always watch your vids. Your contents r really informative. N i also follow your tactic of sitting, be patient n kick at the end to run my best ever 800m race. TQSSSSSSM Nick. Once a legend, always a legend !!!!!!!!! Keep up your great job NICK THE LEGEND !

[@steveleslie2170]

I'm Canadian and like rooting for our Athletes...but I remember watching this on a US sports channel back in the day...still awesome to watch.

[@jaheimmoguel614]

Showing mental strength through that whole race 🔥 I love both your channels Inspiring and motivating 🤘 Keep rocking ✌️

[@zachbaugher421]

About the nervousness I think I can there's something universal about the relationship between nervousness and passion. During one of my acting courses last semester I came across a quote that will stick with me for the rest of my life and went something like this: "don't be worried that you're nervous. Be worried if you're not at least a little nervous, because you might not care enough about what's about to transpire at that point" . That's perspective I think anyone can use, whether they be an athlete or artist. Be encouraged by the nervousness, it means you've got that fire within you 🔥💪 this video really helped me remember that principle

[@maninthemiddle55]

I had tickets to this day at the Trials but didn’t make it for reasons I can’t even remember. The crowd at Hayward Field is always vocal and supportive but I heard they went absolutely nuts during the finish. Hayward magic. Great video Nick!

[@jcirni]

This is the race that made me fall in love with the 800m and it became my go to in HS and then in college

[@danielbigham]

Just beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@elizabethjoo9226]

early enough to get a reply from the bison

[@NickSymmondsToo]

LOVE THE EARLY SQUAD!!!

[@WDSLS]

Hard work pays off, well-deserved win

[@amcarbonaro]

It’s very cool to see an Olympian with their own KZbin channel. When I first started watching your channel I didn’t know you were a star ⭐️

[@geoplaten337]

Helluva race, Nick, way to go!

[@Bruno-dj7th]

Great Video. You made me feel so happy and you gived to me lot of smiles with this race recap. Also i remembered lot of careers that i win with kicks. Huge hug since México.

[@Thomas-fk3cw]

Just GREAT race analysis. Loved how you explained your move. I'd be panicking boxed in with only 150 meters left. Experience pays.

[@johns00982]

That was an amazing race... you crushed it. That kind of heart and dedication comes from a special place. Thanks for the memories

[@SauceKingg]

Love these stories

[@penguinmilkshake6257]

That kick you had in the race is fantastic. You are an inspiration and one of the best kickers in track and field

[@aresmars2003]

Wonderful narration and inspiration. Luck matters too, but being ready for opportunity when it happens is what makes a winner.

[@russellwestbrook1175]

You are such an amazing speaker and I appreciate watching you give wisdom and inspiration

[@joyashleygarrett5866]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing this experience

[@alexg815]

I have been waiting for this for sooooooooooooooooooo long. edit: keep this video at 0 dislikes!

[@NickSymmondsToo]

hope it was worth the wait!!

[@kailasciatto1251]

Love the Content

[@edwardwojick6906]

Thanks Nick for making this video. I grew up in the area and went to many meets at the excitable loud crowds at hayward. I now live in Boise. I love the sweep and also you showed you are a great sportsman for involving the 2nd and 3rd placers.

[@epmademt2786]

crazy to think that i was only 2 when the bison was kicking ass on the track

[@paulk2000]

I love these videos, thank you Nick

[@leahwolfe7058]

Nick, you will never see this but you may be the greatest mentor in my life. I am a 14 year old girl who wants to be the best track star because of you

[@shawnerz98]

Not sure why KZbin suggested this for me. But it did and I'm glad I watched it. :) Great work!

[@eternaldance1014]

Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️ beautiful story!

[@timroden6617]

That is an awkward moment when you put your kick in and no one can match it and you are sure there were better kickers in the field. With white man's disease, I never had it in the last 100. I did do that once with a 500m kick in a mile race. I was 5 seconds ahead of a great 800m runner when my coach at the 300m line, said something about the gap and I had no idea. I had run that last 200m like he was on my shoulder and I was trying to shake him. That tunnel vision. It is a great feeling. Thanks for sharing.

[@4Dangert]

The beginning of this video you described it so well I started getting the jitters for you eventhough I knew outcome!

[@wkrupper]

Great video Nick, so excited to re-live these moments with you

[@foxfoster1]

Can’t wait for next Thursday

[@Magani79]

You're a legend!

[@Mr400m]

Much respect. I love this video w/your story recap. You can feel the emotion

[@Maestralius]

We love to hear your stories Nick - always interesting thx for your time !

[@wxxvykaleb3716]

Nick I love ur vids Man U encouraged me to do athletics

[@gallagherii]

What an awesome analysis Nick. And this was beyond inspiring. Please do more of these, you definitely have commentator potential! So much knowledge and love for the sport.

[@qnastudychannel6953]

THIS MOVED ME TO TEARS

[@ianweaver534]

Love these race recaps!

[@lloyddorward]

I love these race recap videos they are so interesting to watch!! You are a beast my man

[@maxboesch-powers2061]

Amazing video today Nick!

[@RUNDMC1]

Nick you’re absolutely killing it with these race breakdowns. Never seen another athlete do anything like it. 1.5k likes to 5 dislikes tells you that this is legit the shit. Cant wait for the race mistakes ones too - we’ve all been there!

[@orlobranch5402]

Man, you got me in tears..

[@arunwinsatrunning923]

Always love a race recap

[@adamsmag7278]

These videos are so motivating!

[@conall967]

Goosebumps

[@loganlutz5736]

Very motivating and gives me hope for the future

[@davidrapin446]

"Winners compare to themselves, losers compare to the others". So I know why this is the race you are the most proud of. You overcame your fears and were mentally strong. It's worth better than a world championship medal. Sorry for my English, my mother language is French.

[@diegollanos8511]

My heart was racing watching this

[@bfg216]

Bro your insane!!! Hope I can be like you one day.

[@myskullisred]

Love these recaps.

[@mikewazowski3201]

He looked so much like Secretariat running this race!! Amazing!!

[@ethancurnow3868]

Awesome moment and video!

[@binayaduwadi2719]

Damn!! You are so inspiring.