By Amaechi Agbo
Olympic medallist and former world 1,500m champion Jenny Simpson has been discharged from hospital after suffering a heart attack during a community running event in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The 39-year-old was pacing a mile group at the Sir Walter Running Pop-Up Mile event when she suddenly collapsed and required immediate medical attention, including CPR.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Friday, her employers Fleet Feet confirmed she had left Duke University Hospital and would continue her recovery in North Carolina.
“We’re grateful to share that Fleet Feet Chief Running Officer Jenny Simpson has been discharged from Duke University Hospital and will continue her recovery in North Carolina following the medical emergency she experienced during the Sir Walter Running Pop Up Mile event on June 17,” the statement read.
It added that Simpson suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the event and was treated on-site with CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) before being rushed to UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh and later transferred to Duke University Hospital for further care.
Simpson enjoyed a decorated career on the track, winning gold in the 1,500 metres at the 2011 World Championships, as well as silver medals in 2013 and 2017, and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She retired from competitive athletics in 2024.
