World champion runner Jenny Simpson shared that a rare heart condition led to her cardiac arrest during a race in June, announcing her retirement from competitive running. In a recent Instagram post, the 39-year-old revealed she had been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a condition that resulted in dangerous heart rhythms leading to her heart stopping. Due to this diagnosis, Simpson stated that it would be unsafe for her to resume running, signaling the end of that chapter in her life.
The incident occurred while Simpson was assisting a group of young runners in a mile race in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she suddenly collapsed. She received immediate CPR and was provided with assistance from an automated external defibrillator before being swiftly transported to the hospital for further treatment.
In her post, Simpson expressed gratitude for still being alive and urged well-wishers not to offer sympathy but rather acknowledge the joy of her survival. She emphasized her appreciation for being able to continue her story despite the unexpected turn of events.
Simpson had a remarkable career as a women’s 1,500-meter runner from 2007 onwards, achieving significant success, including winning world championships in 2011, securing two second-place finishes, and claiming an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016.
