Jenny Simpson, 39, suffered sudden cardiac arrest in June 2026 while pacing a mile group at a pop-up running event in North Carolina [1, 2, 3]. She required CPR and an automated external defibrillator before being transported to hospital [1, 2, 3]. At the hospital, Simpson went into cardiac arrest again and was placed on life support [1, 2, 3].
Doctors diagnosed her with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare inherited condition where heart muscle cells are replaced by scar and fatty tissue, thinning the heart walls and impairing pumping function [1, 2, 3]. Because of the diagnosis and resulting heart damage, Simpson announced on August 20, 2026, that she will not return to competitive running [1, 3].
Simpson retired from elite running at the end of the 2024 season [1, 3]. She won the 1500-meter gold at the 2011 World Championships and earned bronze at the 2016 Olympics, competing in three Olympic Games overall [1, 2, 3]. She remains connected to the running community through an executive role at Fleet Feet [2, 3].
In her Instagram statement, Simpson said, "That chapter has ended. Thankfully, my story hasn’t" and called her future "an incredible gift" with hope and purpose [1, 2]. She urged supporters, "Please do not say that you’re sorry or that you feel bad for me. If it is true in your heart, please tell me you’re glad that I’m here. That’s how I feel – so glad that I’m still here" [3].
Simpson was transferred to Duke Hospital for advanced care after her second cardiac arrest [2]. She will focus on recovery and her new roles outside competitive running.
