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The American Jenny Simpson<\/strong>, one of the foremost middle-distance runners of the past decades, has revealed that she suffers from arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)<\/strong>, a heart condition that can trigger serious arrhythmias. The athlete endured a cardiac arrest during a race in June<\/strong> and required resuscitation before being transported to the hospital.<\/p>\n ARVC typically has a genetic and hereditary origin<\/strong>, although years of intense training, especially in endurance sports, can foster the onset and progression of the disease in predisposed individuals. In Simpson\u2019s case, the diagnosis comes after more than two decades competing at the highest level.<\/strong><\/p>\n The diagnosis means it would be dangerous for me to return to running.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cI was diagnosed with a rare hereditary heart condition, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC),\u201d explains Simpson. The American, who remains hopeful about her future, also acknowledges the hardest consequence of the diagnosis: \u201cMy diagnosis means it would be dangerous for me to return to running\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Simpson, aged 39<\/strong>, was the 2011 World Champion in the 1,500 metres<\/strong>, in addition to earning two world silver medals, in 2013 and 2017, and the Olympic bronze in Rio 2016<\/strong>. She competed in three Olympic Games and also excelled in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, an event in which she took part in Beijing 2008. Her personal bests are 3:57.22 in the 1,500m, 8:29.58 in the 3,000m, and 9:12.50 in the steeplechase<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The American announced her retirement from professional athletics in<\/strong> 2024<\/strong> after attempting to make the leap to the marathon and after a career in which she became one of the top references in American middle-distance running. Now, she faces a new phase: \u201cMy future is an incredible gift. It is hopeful and will continue to have a great purpose\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n View this post on Instagram<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Dylan Holloway<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always been fascinated by the stories hidden behind a stopwatch, a finish line or a record-breaking performance. At Athletics News, I cover athletes, competitions and the moments shaping track and field, with a particular interest in the people and journeys behind the results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n
A LEGENDARY CAREER<\/h2>\n
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