Symmonds , 29 , who appeared in a February ad for the gender-equality group , NOH8 , went on record with his sentiments earlier this month in a blog post for Runner 's World magazine . Nick Symmonds is first athlete to openly challenge anti - gay laws on Russian television . He says he will do anything to champion equality , except get married . The American took a silver medal at World Track & Field Championships . Russian law prohibits talk of gay rights , relationships in front of children .
Nick Symmonds is first athlete to openly challenge anti - gay laws on Russian television . He says he will do anything to champion equality , except get married . The American took a silver medal at World Track & Field Championships . Russian law prohibits talk of gay rights , relationships in front of children .