EUGENE, Ore. - Disappointed in his showing in Beijing, Oregon Track Club Elite's Nick Symmonds has been determined to get to Berlin this summer to show he can not only compete at the international level, but win against the best in the world.

The defending 800-meter U.S. champion had his opportunity Sunday at the USA Outdoor Championships. As is usual with Symmonds, he began the race at the back of the pack and slowly worked his way forward. With a lap to go, Symmonds was fourth.

And as he rounded the Bowerman curve, Symmonds had the lead, but he was being challenged by Khadevis Robinson.
Still Symmonds had enough left to hold off Robinson and win a second consecutive U.S. title in 1:45.86.

Symmonds ran at Willamette University during his collegiate career.