World-renowned runner Jenny Simpson shared that she experienced a cardiac arrest during a race in June due to a rare heart condition, leading to her decision to retire from competitive running. Simpson, aged 39, disclosed on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a condition that resulted in dangerous heart rhythms, ultimately causing her heart to stop. Due to this diagnosis, she emphasized that it would be unsafe for her to resume running.
In her statement, Simpson expressed gratitude for her continued existence despite the end of her running career. The incident occurred while she was supporting a group of girls in a mile run at an event in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she collapsed. Immediate medical assistance, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, was provided before she was swiftly transported to the hospital.
Simpson urged well-wishers to refrain from expressions of sympathy and instead focus on being thankful for her survival. She recounted her illustrious running career that spanned from 2007, where she excelled as America’s top women’s 1,500-meter runner. Her achievements include winning world titles in 2011, securing Olympic bronze in Rio in 2016, and finishing as a runner-up twice at the world championships.