When you start your running career at the age of 5, it seems like there’s nowhere to go but up. In the case 14-year-old Ra’nasia Simmons, she’s set her sights high and has earned a place at the Junior Olympics where she will compete starting on July 29.
The Bok Academy South student got her running start in elementary school, says her mother, Kendra Howard.
“Back in kindergarten, her dad had put her into an event, and she won first place. And it basically started there. She has the speed, she’s just talented, and naturally blessed with ability.”
She started training and competing with the AAU track team, an organization founded in 1888 that is dedicated to establishing standards and uniformity in amateur sports. Simmons currently runs with the Lake Wales Fury.
Howard, who also has two other children, is exceedingly proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and perseverance.
“She’s been running ever since that first race in kindergarten,” says Howard.
During the Junior Olympic trials earlier this year, Simmons qualified for the 100m and 200m races.
Simmons is pretty serious about sports and competition, as she also plays softball. At the time of the writing of this article, she was at the softball World Series in Clearwater, according to Howard.
Competing in sports requires great physical, mental, and financial stamina. Families whose children compete in these types of events are often saddled with the cost of transportation, housing, equipment, and training to assist their children and getting them to the highest level.
While these types of costs are challenging, the family focus has been to allow Simmons the opportunity to showcase her skills and dedication on the national level that will be televised. Donations and sponsorship can, in the future, help her get to the next level.
When Simmons finishes her studies at Bok Academy South she plans on going to Lake Wales High School and continuing to train and compete at the highest levels she can.
“She wants to go hard and win and bring the medal back home,” Howard says of Simmons’ Junior Olympic goals, which include going to the Olympics one day.
“I see her heart for running, she’s very humble, and sweet. I see it. She’s truly a blessing.”
Bring it home, Ra’nasia!
