Nearly six years ago, Jonathan Simms was only just beginning his track and field career.
The young Texan out of Dallas competed at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Ypsilanti, Michigan as a 10-year-old and went after records formerly set by O'Fallon, Missouri's Brandon Miller.
Even then, you could see the wisps of talent shooting out from underneath Simms' feet on the track.
He would indeed capture a new 10yo 800m AAU national record from Miller all that time ago, clocking an effort of 2:16.44 in the event, and then would also add another win in the 400m in 59 seconds, just missing out on another one.
In 2023, it's the former event where Simms begun to star.
Now a sophomore at Allen High School, the 16-year-old continues to build toward a historic career within Texas and nationally, this week capturing two national titles at Brooks PR and Nike Outdoor Nationals in the 400m.
Simms clocked times of 45.90 and 46.09 over four days, moving to U.S. No. 5 in the 400m on the season. Earlier in May, he won his first Texas UIL Class 6A title in the 400m.
Simms has dropped the 800m in favor of the 200m and 400m.
Perhaps we're only beginning to see the best of what the Texan could do on the national stage.
2017 AAU Junior Olympic Games
10-year-old 800m Championship
Related Links:
AAU Junior Olympic Games meet page
