Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 28, 2026

Jonathan Simms (sprinter)

Jonathan Simms is an American sprinter. In 2026, he ran the fourth fastest 400 metres indoor time of all-time whilst a freshman at the University of Georgia.

Last revised
Jun 28, 2026
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≈ 2 min
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Jonathan Simms
Personal information
Born (2007-01-08) January 8, 2007
Sport
SportAthletics
Event
Sprint
Achievements and titles
Personal best400m: 44.02 (2026)

Jonathan Simms (born January 8, 2007) is an American sprinter. In 2026, he ran the fourth fastest 400 metres indoor time of all-time whilst a freshman at the University of Georgia.1

Biography

From Allen, Texas, Simms attended Allen High School.2 He ran the 400 metres in 46.09 seconds to win at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in June 2023. In August 2023, following the conclusion of his sophomore year of high school, Simms ran an under-16 world best of 45.12 seconds for the 400 metres at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. The previous best by Obea Moore had stood since 1995.3

In February 2024, he placed third behind Quincy Wilson running 1:18.22 for the U20 600 metres at the 2024 Millrose Games.4 However, his 2024 season was ended prematurely with injury.5 In June 2025, he lowered his 400 metres personal best to 45.44 seconds in winning the USATF U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.6

In January 2026, Simms moved to joint fourth on the all-time list over 400m indoors, tied with Randolph Ross,7 when he ran 44.62s in his NCAA debut for the University of Georgia at the Clemson Invitational, the time was 0.13 seconds outside the fastest ever recorded, by Christopher Morales Williams.89 The time was also an unratified under-20 world record.10 Simms placed fourth in the 400 m at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Championships, running 45.11 seconds.11 In May, Simms ran a personal best 44.02 for the 400 m at the Torrin Lawrence Memorial in Athens, Georgia and 44.16 to place third at the SEC Championships.1213 Competing at the NCAA East Regional in Lexington, Kentucky on 29 May, he ran 44.35 seconds for the 400 metres to qualify for the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships.14

References

References

  1. "Jonathan Simms". World Athletics. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  2. Mull, Cory (8 February 2024). "400 Meter High School Phenom Jonathan Simms Puts Down Crazy Gym Workout". Flotrack. Retrieved 10 Dec 2025.
  3. Dickinson, Marley (6 August 2023). "16-year-old Texas sprinter breaks ridiculous record for 400m". Running Magazine. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  4. "Millrose Games". World Athletics. 9 Feb 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  5. Grundy, William (Apr 10, 2024). "Jonathan Simms Suffers Season Ending Injury". Mile Split. Retrieved 11 Jan 2026.
  6. "Jonathan Simms Champion Men's 400m - USATF U20 Outdoor Championships 2025". DyeStat.com. Jun 21, 2025. Retrieved 11 Jan 2026.
  7. "400 Metres Short Track Men". World Athletics. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  8. "Jonathan Simms storms to 44.62 indoor 400m, fourth fastest in history at Clemson Invitational". Watch Athletics. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  9. "Results - Clemson Invitational 2026". Watch Athletics. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  10. "Who Is Jonathan Simms? All About the 19 Year Old Who Shattered the U20 400M World Record in His Season Opener". profootballnetwork. January 10, 2026. Retrieved 11 Jan 2026.
  11. "Arkansas & Georgia Claim The 2026 NCAA D1 Indoor National Team T&F Titles". Flo Track. 15 March 2026. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  12. Benatti, Andrea (5 May 2026). "Jonathan Simms runs 44.02: closest U20 ever to Steve Lewis' 43.87". Atleticalive. Retrieved 6 May 2026.
  13. Johnson, Robert; Gault, Jonathan (May 18, 2026). "WTW: NCAA conference fireworks, Diamond League drama, and the cruelest relay DQ in high school history". Lets Run. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  14. "NCAA EAST: KANYINSOLA AJAYI (100) AND SAMUEL OGAZI (400) RUN WORLD-LEADING TMES". Dye Stat. 30 May 2026. Retrieved 30 May 2026.