(Reuters) – Nick Symmonds, the 800 metres silver medallist at the 2013 world athletics championships, is notably absent from the 130-athlete team named yesterday to represent the United States at this month’s worlds in China.
Symmonds was left off the U.S. team after refusing to sign a contract that requires team members to wear Nike gear to official functions.
Justin Gatlin, the fastest man in the world this year over 100m and 200m, spearheads a team that also includes five defending world champions.
Gatlin’s showdowns with world record-holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica are expected to be among the highlights at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing from August 22-30.
Other prominent athletes on the U.S. team include Olympic women’s 200m champion Allyson Felix (200m, 400m and relay squads) and Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Galen Rupp (5000m, 10,000m).
