Perhaps the best way to sum up Jenny Simpson’s journey with the song is to say that she has maintained a delicate yet strong rhythm for twenty years.
From high school tracks to stadiums throughout the world, Simpson’s career has inspired many fans with his commitment, tenacity, and spirit.
Simpson finished 18th among elite runners with a time of 2:31:54 in her final race at the New York City Marathon, capping a 20-year career.
With this accomplishment, she concluded her legendary career in front of devoted followers who supported her right up until the very end.
Simpson used Instagram to share her thoughts about her last race and the amazing love and thanks she received from the New York crowd.
“I made my first USA team in 2004. It’s been 20 unbelievable years. After I finished the marathon today, I was trying to tell Jason about all the love I got on the course. 26.2 miles of almost nonstop love,” she wrote, describing the emotion of the day.
“So many people thanking me for my career and celebrating the last race with me. I couldn’t get through telling him about it without bawling. I don’t think any other city in the world would have given me love like you did, NYC.”
Simpson, however, really made her impact on the international scene, winning medals at the Olympics and World Championships and competing for the United States in three Olympic Games.
She established herself as a trailblazer for American middle-distance running in 2011 when she became the first American woman to win gold in the 1500m at the World Championships in thirty years.
Simpson’s farewell race was about honouring a career that has inspired a generation, not about winning or breaking records.In her own words, “I feel so grateful, so tired from the race, and so lucky to have so many friends in the sport. Some of whom I don’t even know!!! Congratulations to the AMAZING athletes both ahead of and following me today. 54,000 of you!!! Wow, what a ride.”
Simpson’s accomplishments extend beyond his records and trophies. She has won 11 individual American national titles and held the American record in the 3000m steeplechase.
As the 2014 Diamond League 1500m champion and four-time NCAA Division I champion, Simpson’s career has served as a shining example of greatness in middle-distance running in the United States.
However, her impact goes beyond statistics and honours since she has served as an inspiration to future runners, demonstrating that hard work, enthusiasm, and humility can lead to success.
Her husband, Jason, and her fans were there every step of the way, making her final race in New York a fitting farewell.
“It was perfect to wrap it all up here with all of you. Thank you.”
