Solomon Simmons
Many professional athletes have poignant stories behind their entrée into sports, but it’s rare that one can say he was actually “tricked” into it. Yet, that’s how Solomon Simmons got his start. While in high school, Solomon’s brother, Ben, was a decathlete, and when Ben’s partner failed to show up for a particular meet, the coach tricked Solomon into competing against his brother. From that point on, he was hooked. He went on to earn a full athletic scholarship to Eastern Michigan University, graduating in 2017 with an MBA.
While in college, he was a 4-time Mid-American Conference Champion, a 3-time NCAA All-American, a 6-time NCAA Academic All-American and one of only 81 people in U.S. history to score more than 8,000 points. Solomon closed the 2019 season by finishing as the No. 1 U.S. Decathlete in the Track & Field World Championships in Qatar. His collegiate career ended with an impressive sixth-place finish at the 2016 Olympic Trials.
Like most professional athletes, Solomon has suffered injuries and taken time off for rehabilitation and recovery. It is at times like these when Texas Children’s steps in to provide the comprehensive support, innovative technology and expert care that is needed to holistically treat the whole athlete, from head to toe.
Solomon continues to compete professionally, both nationally and internationally, and in 2021, earned eighth place in the U.S. Olympic Trials. He trains 5-6 hours a day, while also working full-time as a financial analyst, a career to which he applies the same high level of focus, intensity and dedication as he does to his sport.