World champion runner Jenny Simpson recently shared that she experienced cardiac arrest during a race in June due to a rare heart condition, ultimately leading to her decision to retire from running. Simpson, 39, disclosed on Instagram that she was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a condition that resulted in dangerous heart rhythms causing her heart to stop. This diagnosis has deemed it unsafe for her to resume running, marking the end of that chapter in her life.

During an event in Raleigh, North Carolina, Simpson collapsed while pacing a group of girls in a mile run. She received CPR on the track, and an automated external defibrillator was used before she was swiftly taken to the hospital for further treatment. In her post, Simpson expressed gratitude for still being alive and asked for well-wishers to refrain from apologies but rather acknowledge their happiness at her survival.

From 2007 to 2017, Simpson dominated as America’s top women’s 1,500-meter runner, achieving significant milestones such as winning the world championship in 2011, securing two second-place finishes, and earning an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016.