Nick Symmonds proved size doesn’t matter during the Olympic Trials in Eugene.

NickSymmonds.com

Symmonds earned a spot on the Olympic team by blazing through the 800 and leading the 1-2-3 Oregon sweep.

He hung in the back throughout the race but then unleashed his killer kick to take the win when he saw a gap.

 Slideshow: Symmonds' sneak attack

"I've been working on that kick for a couple years now. I just ran a smart race, and I knew that I was going to wait until the last 100 meters to flip the switch. It felt so good to burn it on the last 100," he said. "I was boxed in and couldn't sneak by on the inside. Fortunately, I saw the gap and got there just in time."

Symmonds said he has worked hard to turn his short stride into a secret weapon. "I'm able to fit into these pockets that other people can't find. It's a fine combination I've been working on. I practice sprinting when I'm tired, and that's made me really strong. I've found that a couple of steps is all I need to get around people."

A graduate of tiny Division-III Willamette University, the 24-year-old Springfield resident has been setting the track ablaze with his speed. Symmonds was a three-time NCAA Division III champion in the 800 meters in college, and proved his speed by placing second in the 800 meters in 2006 and in 2007 at the USA Outdoor Championships.

At the Prefontaine Classic in 2007, Symmonds ran the second-fastest 800 on American soil.

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Symmonds, Wheating and Smith 1-2-3 in 800