Have you ever heard of the nickname “The Bison” being associated with a retired middle-distance track athlete?
If not, then you’re in for a treat. This athlete, who specialized in the 800 meters and 1500 meters distances, has won numerous titles and competed in two Olympic Games.
But what’s even more interesting is the story behind his unique nickname. In this article, we’ll explore why this athlete is called “The Bison” and how it came to be.
So, sit back and get ready to learn about the man behind the moniker.
Why Is Nick Symmonds Called The Bison?
Nick Symmonds, the retired middle-distance track athlete, is known by many as “The Bison.” But how did he get this unique nickname?
The story goes that Symmonds was originally going to call one of his projects “Bell Lap.” However, his friend and fellow athlete started using the hashtag #
The Origin Of The Nickname The Bison
The nickname “The Bison” has its roots in the American bison, a large bovine species that is native to North America. Although colloquially referred to as a buffalo, the American bison is only distantly related to the true buffalo. The word “bison” is derived from the Greek word “bison,” which means “wild ox.”
The American bison has many names, including “buffalo,” “tatanka,” and “pte.” The name “buffalo” was given by French fur trappers in the early 1600s who mistook the bison for true buffalo, animals living in Africa and Asia. The Lakota people, who are traditionally nomadic and would have spent their lives following bison before Euro-Americans settled the West, call bison “tatanka” or “pte.”
It is unclear how Symmonds specifically came to be called “The Bison,” but it is likely that his physical strength and endurance on the track were reminiscent of the powerful and resilient American bison. The bison is a symbol of strength, resilience, and freedom in American culture, and it is possible that Symmonds embodied these qualities in his athletic pursuits.
The Meaning Behind The Nickname
The nickname “The Bison” carries a special meaning for Nick Symmonds. According to Tim Layden’s article, David Rudisha’s running stride is often compared to the effortless flow of water pouring from a pitcher. In contrast, Symmonds’ running style is more akin to that of a bison – powerful and determined, but visibly exerting effort to reach top speed.
This comparison is not just about physical appearance, though. Bisons are known for their incredible speed and strength, and can run up to 40 miles per hour. Similarly, Symmonds has proven himself to be a formidable competitor on the track, with seven NCAA Division III titles and six US National 800 meters championships under his belt.
However, the nickname also speaks to Symmonds’ personality and attitude towards competition. As Layden once wrote, Symmonds is “Team USA’s official pain in the butt.” He is known for his tenacity and willingness to push himself to the limit in pursuit of victory. Like a bison charging towards its goal, Symmonds approaches each race with determination and grit.
In addition to its symbolic significance, the nickname “The Bison” has also become a part of Symmonds’ personal brand. He has even released a line of athletic apparel featuring the bison logo. Overall, the nickname represents both Symmonds’ physical prowess and his unrelenting spirit as an athlete.
How The Nickname Became Popular
The nickname “The Bison” for Nick Symmonds became popular after a sportswriter referred to him as “Team USA’s official pain in the butt.” However, the origin of the nickname goes back to an article written by Tim Layden, where he described David Rudisha’s stride as “beautiful, water flowing out of a pitcher.” In contrast, Symmonds’ running style was described as looking like a bison.
Despite not having the most graceful stride, Symmonds’ athleticism cannot be denied. Bisons can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, and while it may not look effortless, they are still incredibly fast. Symmonds’ determination and effort on the track are comparable to that of a bison trying to reach its top speed.
Symmonds also co-founded a supplement company called Run Gum, which makes functional chewing gum used by athletes, students, and professionals. The company’s flagship product is Energy Gum, which provides a quick boost of energy for those on the go.
Since retiring from track and field, Symmonds has gained popularity through his YouTube channel, where he shares his passion for running, powerlifting, and fitness. He continues to inspire others with his dedication to staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle.
The Legacy Of The Bison
The bison, also known as the American buffalo, has a rich history in North America. Once numbering in the tens of millions, these massive creatures were hunted nearly to extinction by settlers, game hunters, and Native American tribes in the late 1800s. By the early 20th century, fewer than 1,000 bison remained. However, thanks to a concerted effort by ranchers, conservationists, and politicians, the bison became the first American conservation success story.
In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt and the American Bison Society established a captive breeding program at the Bronx Zoo to save the species from extinction. The program was successful in establishing bison back into its native habitat within a few years. Today, there are over 300,000 bison in North America, existing in public and private herds across all 50 states.
The bison has also played an important cultural and economic role in America’s history. Many Native American tribes revere the bison as a sacred and spiritual symbol of their heritage and maintain private bison herds on tribal lands throughout the West. The bison ranching and production business is also a multimillion-dollar industry.
In May 2016, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act, officially designating the bison as America’s national mammal. This symbolic gesture recognizes the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the bison in America’s natural heritage. However, despite this recognition and conservation efforts, Yellowstone National Park’s wild bison continue to face annual slaughter due to the Interagency Bison Management Plan’s mandate to prevent the spread of brucellosis to domestic cattle.
The legacy of the bison serves as a reminder of America’s ability to come together to save a species from extinction and celebrate its cultural significance. As Nick Symmonds takes on his nickname “The Bison,” he too embodies this spirit of resilience and strength that characterizes this iconic species.
