World champion runner Jenny Simpson recently shared that a rare heart condition led to her experiencing cardiac arrest during a race in June, ultimately leading to her decision to retire from competitive running. In a social media post, the 39-year-old disclosed that she was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a condition that resulted in harmful heart rhythms causing her heart to stop beating.
Due to this diagnosis, Simpson acknowledged the risks associated with returning to running, stating, “That chapter has ended, but thankfully, my story continues.” The incident occurred as she was guiding a group of young runners during a mile race in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she suddenly collapsed. Prompt CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator were critical before she was swiftly transported to a medical facility.
Reflecting on the experience, Simpson expressed gratitude for being alive and urged others to focus on the positive, asking not for sympathy but for acknowledgment of her survival. Simpson enjoyed a successful career as America’s leading women’s 1,500-meter runner for nearly a decade starting in 2007, achieving significant milestones such as winning world championships in 2011, securing Olympic bronze in Rio in 2016, and twice finishing as a runner-up at the world level.