Brevin Sims Poised To Stake Claim To Nation's Top Hurdler


Brevin Sims had already established himself as the premier hurdler in the state of Tennessee.

But after his performance on Friday, the Chattanooga Arts & Sciences junior has placed himself firmly in the discussion as the best in the country.

The three-time Tennessee state champion ran a US No. 2 wind-legal time of 13.68 in the 110m hurdles, just 0.12 seconds off the fastest time in the nation this season.

Sims blew away a field that included Cleveland's Eric Parker, who held the fastest time in the state coming into the meet.

Sims' hurdle performance was even more impressive as it came on a day where nearly every athlete struggled with a strong headwind down the home stretch of the track. The three-time state champion didn't seemed fazed, going on to win the 100m, 200m, and 300m hurdles, with the latter coming in a time of 38.45, also a new best in Tennessee this season.

Sims' teammate, Alayah Dozier had a strong day herself, with wins in the 100m, 200m, and 400m. But even she joked that she might need a 60m head start to come away victorious if she took on Sims in the 100 meters.

Sims has a month to prepare to defend his hurdle crown at the state meet, where he also hopes to avenge narrowly missing out on breaking the state record in the event last year when he ran a 13.89, just 0.05 seconds off the 38-year-old mark.

The humble Sims, always smiling, feigned ignorance after his final race of the day when asked by an opposing coach if that gave him four wins on the day. But even though he pretended not to know, his sheepish grin gave away that he was keenly aware of what he'd accomplished.

And with jaw-dropping performances like the one on Friday, it's time for everyone else around the country to pay attention as well.