University of Georgia Athletics
Jonathan Simms Named USTFCCCA National Men’s Athlete of the Week
May 04, 2026 | Track & Field
NEW ORLEANS – Georgia track and field's Jonathan Simms named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) men's national athlete of the week following a historic performance at the Torrin Lawrence Memorial.
This marks Simms second national award of the season, the first coming in his collegiate debut during indoors back in January.
Simms, a native of McKinney, Texas, recorded a historic performance this weekend on his home track in the 400 meter. The freshman went stride-for-stride with reigning 2025 NCAA outdoor champion Samuel Ogazi of Alabama, with the race decided by just 0.005 of a second.
Simm's 44.02 mark stands as the 2026 current world lead, ranks No. 2 on the U20 world list, No. 6 on the all-time collegiate list and No. 17 all-time among American performers. Additionally, Simm's 44.02 finish stands as the fastest combined finish in collegiate history by a freshman within the collegiate season.
That 44.02 finish also now stands as the school record, edging out Olympian Christopher Morales-William's mark of 44.05 from back in 2024.
The Bulldogs will now take the week off to prepare to defend their 2025 outdoor conference title at the 2026 SEC Outdoor Championships hosted by Auburn this year at Hutsell-Rosen Track on May 14-16.
Results and recaps from the Bulldogs' outdoor season will be found at georgiadogs.com. News and updates from Georgia's track & field and cross country teams are always located on X/Instagram at @UGATrack.
This marks Simms second national award of the season, the first coming in his collegiate debut during indoors back in January.
Simms, a native of McKinney, Texas, recorded a historic performance this weekend on his home track in the 400 meter. The freshman went stride-for-stride with reigning 2025 NCAA outdoor champion Samuel Ogazi of Alabama, with the race decided by just 0.005 of a second.
Simm's 44.02 mark stands as the 2026 current world lead, ranks No. 2 on the U20 world list, No. 6 on the all-time collegiate list and No. 17 all-time among American performers. Additionally, Simm's 44.02 finish stands as the fastest combined finish in collegiate history by a freshman within the collegiate season.
That 44.02 finish also now stands as the school record, edging out Olympian Christopher Morales-William's mark of 44.05 from back in 2024.
The Bulldogs will now take the week off to prepare to defend their 2025 outdoor conference title at the 2026 SEC Outdoor Championships hosted by Auburn this year at Hutsell-Rosen Track on May 14-16.
Results and recaps from the Bulldogs' outdoor season will be found at georgiadogs.com. News and updates from Georgia's track & field and cross country teams are always located on X/Instagram at @UGATrack.
Players Mentioned
Sprints
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