Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson has announced her retirement from competitive running due to a rare heart condition. The 39-year-old American distance runner revealed on Thursday (August 20) via social media that she was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) after experiencing cardiac arrest in June.
Simpson, who won bronze in the 1,500 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, suffered cardiac arrest while pacing a mile group at an event in North Carolina. She received CPR and an automated external defibrillator at the scene, which saved her life. However, she went into cardiac arrest again at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, leading to time on life support.
ARVC is a genetic condition that affects the heart's muscle cells, causing them to be replaced by fatty and scar tissue. This can lead to dangerous heart rhythms and cardiac arrest. Simpson shared on Instagram, "My future is an incredible gift. It's hopeful, and it will continue to have great purpose. But my diagnosis also means it would be dangerous for me to return to running. That chapter has ended. Thankfully, my story hasn't."
Simpson's illustrious career includes a gold medal at the 2011 World Championships and silver medals at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships. She retired from competitive racing at the end of the 2024 season.
Simpson is currently recovering at her home in Colorado, where she is working with a medical team from Duke University. She plans to discuss her recovery further during an appearance on _CBS Saturday Morning_ this weekend.