Jenny Simpson Retires from Running Due to Heart Condition
World champion runner Jenny Simpson announced she will not return to running after revealing that a rare heart condition, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), caused her to collapse at a race in Raleigh, North Carolina, in June. The condition triggered…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 21, 2026 —
World champion runner Jenny Simpson has announced her retirement from competitive running, citing a rare heart condition that led to a collapse during a race in Raleigh, North Carolina, in June.
The condition, identified as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), caused dangerous heart rhythms, leading to Simpson’s heart stopping during the event. Medical professionals have subsequently determined that it is unsafe for her to continue competing in professional races.
ARVC is a heart muscle disease in which the muscle tissue in the right ventricle of the heart is replaced by scar tissue and fat. This can lead to arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which can cause fainting, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death, particularly during or after strenuous exercise.
Simpson, a celebrated athlete known for her achievements on the track, has not provided further details on her immediate plans following this announcement. The medical diagnosis and subsequent decision to retire mark a significant turning point in her athletic career.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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