Jenny Simpson announces retirement following cardiac arrest

Three-time U.S. Olympian and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson has announced the end of her running career following a life-threatening cardiac arrest. The incident occurred on June 16 during the Sir Walter Running Pop-Up Mile in Raleigh, North Carolina, while Simpson was pacing a group of young runners.

After collapsing, Simpson received CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) before emergency services arrived. Her condition became critical upon reaching the hospital, where she suffered a second cardiac arrest and required life support. She was later transferred to Duke University Hospital for advanced treatment of heart failure and lung complications.

Simpson has been diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare inherited condition where scar tissue develops in the heart muscle and disrupts its electrical system. Due to the risks associated with this diagnosis, Simpson stated that returning to competitive running would be dangerous, marking the conclusion of her professional athletic career.