Jenny Simpson Ends Running Career at 39 After Cardiac Arrest, ARVC Diagnosis
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 21
Jenny Simpson Ends Running Career at 39 After Cardiac Arrest, ARVC Diagnosis
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 21
Summary
Jenny Simpson said she will not return to running after collapsing in June during a pacing appearance at a North Carolina track event and suffering cardiac arrest.
ARVC—arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy—caused dangerous heart rhythms that stopped her heart, Simpson said, making a return to running too risky.
CPR at the track kept Simpson alive before she was hospitalized and placed on life support because of heart and lung complications.
Simpson, a 3-time Olympian, won 1500m bronze at Rio 2016—the first American woman to medal in the event—plus the 2011 world title and 11 U.S. crowns.
The 39-year-old retired from elite competition in 2024 and now works in an executive role at Fleet Feet, saying she remains deeply connected to the sport.