Jenny Simpson, the 39-year-old American retired competitive runner, collapsed while pacing a mile group at the Sir Walter Miler pop-up event in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She lost her pulse and required CPR and AED use to restore it at the scene [1, 2, 3].
Simpson is a decorated athlete who won bronze in the 1500 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics and gold at the 2011 World Championships. She also earned silver medals at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships and claimed 11 US titles before retiring at the end of 2024 [1, 2, 3].
She was quickly transported to a hospital to receive medical care. Fleet Feet, her employer, confirmed she received immediate medical attention at the event and that CEO Joey Pointer remained with her in the hospital overnight while her family traveled to be by her side early on Wednesday, June 17 [2].
Event organizers and medical teams were praised by Sir Walter Running for their rapid response and professionalism. The group said, "We are incredibly grateful to the individuals who responded immediately, as well as EMS and the medical professionals who handled the situation with such care, urgency, and professionalism. Jenny is receiving excellent medical care, and our thoughts are with her and her family during this time" [3].
Simpson has since shown encouraging improvement in hospital. According to Fleet Feet, she continues to exhibit her characteristic resilience and strength. She even inquired about her mile time and whether she won the race while recovering [2].
No further updates have been provided, and she remains under close medical supervision at an undisclosed hospital.
