Olympic Medalist Was Running. Then Suddenly, No Pulse

Jenny Simpson, a standout in American middle-distance running, is in the hospital after collapsing at a Raleigh track event Tuesday night. The 39-year-old reportedly had no pulse until bystanders administered CPR and used an automated external defibrillator at Sir Walter Running's Pop Up Miles event, where she'd been pacing a running group, USA Today reports. Event organizers said Wednesday that Simpson is receiving medical care but did not provide details on her condition or what caused the emergency.

Simpson, a three-time Olympian, won bronze in the 1,500 meters at the 2016 Rio Games and captured world championship gold in 2011. A former University of Colorado star, she still holds the collegiate 1,500-meter record and has four global championship medals. She retired from professional competition after the 2024 New York City Marathon but remained active in the sport, recently becoming Fleet Feet's first chief running officer and joining FloTrack's broadcast team. Tuesday's event offered a chance to meet Simpson, per the AP. In a statement, event organizers and FloTrack both thanked the responders on site and said the running community is pulling for her recovery.