American Olympic track star collapses during race and is rushed to hospital without a pulse in terrifying scene
American track star Jenny Simpson was rushed to hospital this week after collapsing during an event in North Carolina.
In terrifying scenes, the 39-year-old long-distance runner needed CPR to restart her heart after she collapsed and didn’t have a pulse during a Pop Up Miles event in Raleigh on Tuesday.
Simpson, who won an Olympic bronze medalist in the women’s 1500m at Rio 2016, regained a pulse before arriving at hospital, where she is now recovering.
‘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, urgency, and professionalism,’ organizer Sir Walter Running said in a statement.
‘Jenny is receiving excellent medical care, and our thoughts are with her and her family during this time.
‘We are also thankful to everyone who has reached out with concern and support. We ask that you continue to keep Jenny and her family in your prayers as we all hope for the very best.’
American track star Jenny Simpson was rushed to hospital after collapsing during a race
Simpson won the bronze medal in the women’s 1500m race at the Rio 2016 Olympics
Simpson, pictured with partner Forrest Frank, had to have her heart restarted through CPR
When the incident occurred, Simpson was pacing a mile group at the community track event. Runners taking part also had a chance to meet Simpson.
Simpson also represented Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and 2012 in London. When she took bronze at Rio 2016, she became the first American woman to win a medal in the 1500m.
She also won the 1500 at the 2011 world championships, along with silver medals in 2013 and 2017.
Simpson retired from competitive running at the end of the 2024 season after running the New York Marathon.
