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Olympian Simpson's Life Saved by AED After Sudden Collapse
22 Aug
Summary
- Three-time Olympian Jenny Simpson collapsed during a run due to a rare disease.
- An AED and CPR were administered by friends, saving her life.
- Simpson was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
Three-time Olympian Jenny Simpson experienced a life-threatening cardiac event in June while assisting runners in Raleigh, North Carolina. The 39-year-old athlete collapsed unexpectedly, an incident witnessed by friends who possessed an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Quick intervention with CPR and the AED, administered by these friends, proved crucial. Simpson suffered a second cardiac arrest and was hospitalized, later being diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare congenital heart condition. This diagnosis means she can no longer compete professionally.
Simpson, a bronze medalist from the 2016 Rio Olympics, now faces a different future. She has had a defibrillator and pacemaker implanted and is focused on recovery, expressing gratitude for the people who saved her life and support from her husband and friends.
