She Ran in 3 Olympics. Now She May Never Run Again
Olympian Jenny Simpson talks with Rich Roll about surviving cardiac arrest during a mile race in 2024 and what life looks like now that she may never compete again.
The gist
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Bystanders used CPR and an AED within minutes, giving Simpson a fighting chance when odds of surviving outside a hospital are roughly 1 in 10.
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Simpson's genetic heart condition, ARVC, showed no warning signs for years and her negative genetic marker test still missed it entirely.
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Her cardiologist said years of athletic training actually improved her survival odds and overall health going into the cardiac event.
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Simpson is working with a therapist and keeping a notes app journal to rebuild her identity slowly, without rushing toward a new purpose.
"Delivering CPR, having AEDs — I don't know that we know the solution on how to save many of these lives. The biggest barrier is fear and people thinking, 'Well, I'm not trained or I don't know.' And instead of stepping into a scary situation with courage, they lean back and wa..."
▶ Play at 26:31What they recommend · 2 picks
"Delivering CPR, having AEDs — I don't know that we know the solution on how to save many of these lives. The biggest barrier is fear and people thinking, 'Well, I'm not trained ..."
"Getting regular blood work done — now it's not just about LDL and total cholesterol, but know what your ApoB is. This is the marker that is going to really be the truth teller i..."
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See what they all swear by Or pick your own peopleJenny Simpson
1 pick · guest
"Delivering CPR, having AEDs — I don't know that we know the solution on how to save many of these lives. The biggest barrier is fear and people thinking, 'Well, I'm not trained ..."
Rich Roll
1 pick · host
"Getting regular blood work done — now it's not just about LDL and total cholesterol, but know what your ApoB is. This is the marker that is going to really be the truth teller i..."
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