World champion runner Jenny Simpson has disclosed that a rare heart condition led to her experiencing cardiac arrest during a race in June, and as a result, she has decided not to resume her running career. In a recent Instagram post, the 39-year-old Simpson shared that she received a diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a condition that induced “dangerous heart rhythms, ultimately leading to the cessation of her heart’s normal function.” Simpson emphasized the peril associated with returning to running due to this diagnosis, stating that the running chapter of her life has come to a close. However, she expressed gratitude for the continuation of her life story beyond this setback.
The incident occurred while Simpson was pacing a group of girls in a mile run during an event in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she suddenly collapsed. Prompt CPR was administered at the track, and an automated external defibrillator was also utilized before she was swiftly transported to the hospital for further medical care. In her post, Simpson shared her preference for expressions of joy and gratitude rather than sympathy from others following the incident, highlighting her own immense gratitude for still being alive.
Notably, Simpson enjoyed a successful career as America’s prominent women’s 1,500-meter runner for nearly a decade starting in 2007. Her achievements include winning the world championship in 2011, securing second place twice, and claiming the Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016.