I've been covering track and field for The Oregonian/OregonLive on a semi-regular basis since 2005. In a lot of ways it's one of the most fun assignments I've had in 40 years in daily sports journalism.
Nick Symmonds is a reason why.
Symmonds combines elite talent, a showman's flair and a firm grasp of the big picture.
He's never been afraid to speak his mind. Critics dismissively suggest it always has been with an eye for self-promotion. I disagree.
Symmonds has taken taken strong and principled stands on hot-button issues, including gun violence and homophobia.