Jonathan Simms runs to a 2023 Region 1-6A 400m title
Allen junior Jonathan Simms 2024 outdoor track and field season has come to a premature end.
Last week at the UIL 5-6A District Championships, Simms was unable to advance the the Area Championships due to an injury suffered at the district finals.
This ends Simms' UIL 6A 400m title defense, which he won as a sophomore last year when he ran 46.48.
In his district preliminary round, Simms cruised a 48.20 to qualify him for the finals. He participated on the 4x100 relay prior to the 400m finals, when the injury occurred.
With the USATF canceling it's participation in the U20s this summer, there is little reason to force a return to action.
Simms, one of the best prep track and field athletes in the country made waves last year when he won the Nike Outdoor Nationals, followed up by a 45.12 run to win the AAU Junior Olympic Games in the 400m.
That gave Simms the rights to two high profile records. It made him the 16-year old age group World Record holder as well as the Texas state record holder.
At the same AAU Junior Olympic Games, he would tack on two 44-second 4x400 relay carries.
Prior to the season ending injury, Simms enjoyed his best indoor season to date. With indoor personal records of 6.81 in the 60m, 47.60 in the 400m, and 1:18.22 in the 600m, He looked prepared to take things to an even high level this year.
The outdoor season was a bit of a slower roll out, but he was beginning to find rhythm prior to the district championships.
Simms opened up the season on March 15-16 by going 21.30 in the 200m and 1:57.05 in the 800m at the Bill Schmidt Classic.
In his final tune-up meet ahead of the district meet, Simms ran a season best 46.37 to win the 400m at the Jesuit-Sheaner Relays.
With the reigning defending 400m Texas state champ out, a new champion will be crowned next month.
