World champion runner Jenny Simpson recently shared that a rare heart condition led to her experiencing cardiac arrest during a race in June, marking the end of her running career. Simpson, 39, disclosed on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which caused dangerous heart rhythms resulting in her heart ceasing to function properly.
Due to the diagnosis, Simpson emphasized that it would be unsafe for her to resume running, indicating that this chapter of her life has concluded. Despite this setback, she expressed gratitude for being alive and optimistic about the future.
The incident occurred while Simpson was assisting a group of young runners during a mile race in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she suddenly collapsed. Prompt medical attention, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, was provided before she was swiftly transported to the hospital for further treatment.
In a heartfelt message, Simpson requested well-wishers to refrain from expressing sympathy and instead focus on being thankful for her survival. She reflected on her illustrious running career, noting her achievements as America’s top women’s 1,500-meter runner for nearly a decade, including winning world titles in 2011, securing Olympic bronze in Rio in 2016, and finishing as a runner-up twice at the world championships.