Simpson's Cardiac Arrest Recovery
Former World Champion Jenny Simpson Discharged From Hospital Following Cardiac Arrest Event
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Jenny Simpson, a 39-year-old former world champion middle-distance runner, has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during a community running event in Raleigh, North Carolina, according to Reuters. She spent nine days across two hospitals before being released on June 26, 2026.
Simpson collapsed while pacing a recreational mile group at the 'Pop Up Miles' event at Williams Stadium on June 16. Bystanders found her without a pulse and immediately began CPR. An Automated External Defibrillator — a device that delivers an electric shock to restart the heart — was used on-site to restore her pulse before paramedics arrived, according to Runner's World.
From Collapse to Consciousness in Under 48 Hours
Simpson was first taken to UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, then transferred to Duke University Hospital in Durham for specialized care, according to Reuters. Within two days of her collapse, she had regained consciousness. Her employer, Fleet Feet, reported she asked two questions when she came to: what was her mile time, and did she win.
Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer was present at the event when Simpson collapsed and stayed with her at the hospital until her family arrived, according to Runner's World. Her husband, Jason Simpson, remained by her side throughout the nine-day hospitalization. On June 26, Fleet Feet posted on Instagram that she had been officially discharged.
A Decorated Career Cut Short by a Sudden Heart Crisis
Simpson retired from elite racing in 2024 after a career that earned her four major global medals. She won the 2011 World Championship gold in the 1500 meters. She also claimed silver at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She holds 11 U.S. national titles.
After retiring, Simpson became the first-ever Chief Running Officer at Fleet Feet, a national running retailer. The role kept her active in the running community — which is what brought her to the Raleigh event on June 16. Fleet Feet said in its official statement that Simpson and her family are 'deeply grateful to the first responders and everyone who cared for her over the past nine days.'
Quick Bystander Response Likely Saved Her Life
Medical research shows that when CPR and AED use happen immediately, survival rates for sports-related cardiac arrests reach 88%, according to the journal EP Europace. Simpson's case mirrors two other high-profile sports collapses: soccer star Christian Eriksen in 2021 and NFL player Damar Hamlin in 2023. Both survived because bystanders acted fast with AEDs.
Sir Walter Running, the group that organized the event, said in a statement: '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.' The successful response is now being used by advocacy groups to push for mandatory AEDs at all community track events, which often lack the medical staff of professional competitions.
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: Why the Words Matter
Several news outlets, including some wire services, initially called the incident a 'heart attack.' But Simpson suffered a cardiac arrest — a different condition. A heart attack is a blockage that cuts off blood flow. A cardiac arrest is an electrical failure that stops the heart from beating. The two require different emergency responses, according to Harvard Health.
For athletes over 35, cardiac arrests are most often linked to coronary artery disease — a buildup of plaque in the arteries. In younger athletes, inherited conditions are more common causes. Experts also note that in nearly 47% of endurance-race cardiac arrests, no clear underlying cause is ever found, according to EP Europace. Simpson will remain in North Carolina with her husband to rest and recover, according to Reuters.
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