On Thursday night in the blistering 109-degree Sacramento heat, 2013 world silver medalist Nick Symmonds lined up at the startline of the 800 meters. His plan was to either move past this first round of 800-meter trials or hang up his racing spikes after one last two-lapper.

His seventh place finish in the fourth heat meant that he would not advance past the first round. As soon as he crossed the line, the track and field community took to Twitter to pay their respect to Nick Symmonds and his illustrious career, after what will apparently be his last race on the track.

Then there was an outpouring of support:

Still a hell of a run from @NickSymmonds, what a legend! #USATFOutdoors

— Francis Garcia (@fgarciasit) June 23, 2017

Great end to a great track career for @NickSymmonds ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #USATFoutdoors

— Pole Vault Power (@polevaultpower) June 23, 2017

I guess that's it for @NickSymmonds. Great career. Hopefully he sticks around the sport! #USAoutdoors

— Pat Price (@PatrickPrice) June 23, 2017

 

Seventh place for @NickSymmonds in what may well have been his final race. If so, a happy retirement to the 2013 world silver medallist. pic.twitter.com/yXhGKdOnmN

— SPIKES (@spikesmag) June 23, 2017

@NickSymmonds left it all out on the track in his final race. An unparalleled 800m career on and off the track #USAoutdoors #nslastlap

— Brooks Beasts TC (@BeastsTC) June 23, 2017

Thank you @NickSymmonds for some great years.As a fan of the sport I can say that you gave us excitement & joy.Can't ask for more than that.

— Coach Bennett (@bennettrun) June 23, 2017

Congratulations on a phenomenal career, @NickSymmonds. Remember back when you were the underdog? You've come a long way!

— Mike Solo (cuz I'm social distancing) (@lime_crush) June 23, 2017

https://twitter.com/meg_bellino/status/878045603493806082

It's been fun, @NickSymmonds. Thx for everything, mostly that beer you don't know you bought me at Club Cross 2 years ago. #USATFOudooors

— Scott Fauble (@scottfaubs) June 23, 2017

.@NickSymmonds always ran for more than just time & medals. He ran for each of us. And in doing so he changed running forever. #ThankyouNick pic.twitter.com/1EOnivyLOj

— Grady Keefe (@GradyKeefe) June 23, 2017

Then there was a game-changing moment, caught on tape by our very own Kevin Liao:

Sooo it turns this meet isn't @NickSymmonds last race as a pro runner…WATCH: #USATFOutdoors pic.twitter.com/jEtM9nGrJ2

— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) June 23, 2017

I thought he was going to say Blue Jeans Mile…

— Evan Martin 🌐 (@Go_EvanMartin) June 23, 2017

Win or lose, Nick has done more for athlete rights & branding than anyone in sport. You'll always be the champ that is remembered #NSlastlap pic.twitter.com/kQ1p01pyRP

— Kris Mychasiw (@Mychasiw) June 20, 2017