Millennium's China Simmons puts on a hurdle clinic at the Tolleson Invitational. Arizona Milesplit Photo.
China Simmon's from Millennium HS was selected as this week's Girls Athlete of the Week for crushing the competition in the hurdles at the Tolleson Invitational
Fearless. That word describes Millennium's China Simmons very well. “I don't get intimidated," explained China, who placed third at the Chandler Rotary running out of the slow hear, “I know I can line up and compete with anyone." This week back on the west side, China helped the Millennium High School girl's squad secure some big points at the Tolleson Invitational. She won the 100m, 100H and 300H, all with room to spare. Even though the Tigers didn't get the win in the 4x100m, China's anchor leg moved them up by three positions. While she enjoys it now, track was not her first love.
“I didn't really have an interest at first, I went out for the softball team" recounted China with a grin, “Problem was I couldn't really hit a ball." The one place where she did excel in softball tryouts was the base running. It's a good thing for China that the coach encouraged her to try out for the track team instead. Her first year doing track she didn't try the hurdles. In fact, it wasn't until high school that she really got into them. “Coach Smith helped me get started," China said, “Then others helped me perfect my form."
Even with smooth form and multiple college scholarship offers China doesn't let the attention get to her head. She wants to go out and race the clock each and every time she puts her spikes on. “It doesn't change it, I have the same routine for every race." In fact, China focuses so well that she can only hear one person at track meets, her mom. Laughing she stated, “She's the ONLY person I can hear! She is loud but it helps me." If you are ever at the same meet as Millennium you can't help but be excited for China with the energy her mom brings to the meet. If you can't make one of their races, check out what China does to her competition below: