By Taylor M. Coffman
Herald Correspondent
Oviedo native, Olympic medalist, and World Champion Jenny Simpson has been released from the hospital following her sudden collapse at a pop-up track event in Raleigh, North Carolina.
On June 17, Simpson, who represented the United States at four Olympic games and won bronze at the 2016 Olympics, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the Sir Walter Running Pop Up Mile event, where she was participating as Fleet Feet’s Chief Running Officer. According to Fleet Feet, Simpson “received immediate lifesaving care” following her collapse, including CPR and the use of an AED, before she was transported to UNC Rex Hospital, and then Duke University Hospital.
Although there hasn’t been any more information on her medical event, Fleet Feet has confirmed that Simpson was discharged from Duke University Hospital on June 26. Simpson, Fleet Feet, and the Sir Walter Running team have all released statements praising the medical professionals involved, who handled the situation with “such urgency, care, and professionalism.”
“Jenny and her family are deeply grateful to the first responders, the medical teams at UNC Rex Hospital and Duke University Hospital, and everyone who has cared for her over the last nine days,” said Fleet Feet’s official statement in collaboration with Simpson. “Their skill, compassion, and extraordinary care has meant more than words can express.”
Following her discharge, Simpson will reportedly be remaining in North Carolina for her recovery, alongside her husband and two dogs, and is “sincerely grateful for the countless messages, prayers, encouragement, and acts of kindness she has received from friends, colleagues, competitors, and runners around the world,” and that she looks forward to reconnecting with the community “in time.”
Simpson has yet to release an individual statement regarding the incident or the future of her career, though Fleet Feet - on her behalf - has asked that fans and well-wishers continue to respect the privacy of Simpson and her family during her recovery. More updates can be found at @trackjenny on Instagram.
