Ogazi Vs Simms Set for 400m Thriller, Tops SEC Indoor Championships Matchups
The clash between University of Alabama’s Samuel Ogazi and Georgia’s Jonathan Simms over the men’s 400m indoors is set to headline the SEC Conference Championships this weekend, standing out as one of the most anticipated of nine marquee head-to-head battles.
Simms, a freshman sensation born in 2007, has already announced himself on the collegiate stage in spectacular fashion.
At the Clemson Invitational earlier this month, he stormed to victory in 44.62 seconds, a facility record, personal best, and the fastest time in the world this year.
The mark ranks as the fourth-fastest indoor 400m in history, ahead of legends like Michael Johnson, Kirani James, and LaShawn Merritt, and second only to Christopher Morales-Williams in Georgia Bulldogs history.
Ogazi, meanwhile, brings proven pedigree and international experience. The Nigerian star ran 46.30 in his first individual indoor 400m race back in 2024, but has since grown into one of the event’s most formidable names.
He set a Nigerian U20 record of 44.41 outdoors, reached the Olympic final on debut, and this month became only the second African to break 45 seconds indoors with his 44.85 performance.
Ogazi also made history as the second Nigerian since 1999 to be crowned NCAA 400m outdoor champion.
All eyes will certainly be on the 400m event this weekend, as the SEC Championships deliver one of the most compelling matchups in collegiate track and field.
