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Jennifer Simpson (née Barringer; born August 23, 1986) is a retired American middle- and long-distance runner. She won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 2011 World Championships, silvers at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships, and a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Key Information

Simpson is a former American record holder for the 3000 metres steeplechase. She represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. She was the 2014 Diamond League 1500 m winner. Simpson won 11 individual American national titles. She is a four-time individual NCAA Division I champion.

Running career

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High school

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As a student at Oviedo High School, Jenny Barringer was a 5-time state champion in track and 3-time state champion in cross country.[1] On 3 February 2018, Oviedo High School renamed their track Jenny Simpson Track in her honor.[2] She also set Florida high school records in the mile, two-mile, 5000 m, and three-mile. Barringer finished 3rd in San Diego's Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in 2003 behind winner Katelyn Kaltenbach of Colorado and Marie Lawrence of Nevada.[3][4] In the regional, Barringer came on strong and won for the second straight year in identical times of 17:27, becoming the first Florida girl to ever win the Footlocker South regional twice.[5] She finished 10th in San Diego's Footlocker cross country national championship in 2004.[6][7]

Collegiate

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At Colorado, Barringer won the 2006 NCAA Outdoor championship steeplechase in a time of 9:53.04. The following year, she won the USATF Outdoor steeplechase championship in 9:34.64.

She finished 7th in heats at IAAF World Outdoors in the steeplechase in a time of 9:51.04. She finished 7th at the NCAA Outdoors in 2007 in the steeplechase with a time of 9:59.81. She also ran at Drake Relays in the steeplechase in a time of 9:44.31. In April 2007, she finished 4th in 5,000m at Stanford in a time of 15:48.24.[8]

At the time of her 2008 Olympic appearance, Barringer was enrolled at the University of Colorado. At the U.S. trials, Barringer qualified for the United States Olympic team by finishing third in the steeplechase.[9]

Barringer qualified for the first women's steeplechase final in Olympic history by finishing third in her heat. She set a new American record of 9:22.26 in the final and placed ninth.[10]

In 2009, she set NCAA records in the mile, 3000 m, and 5000 m indoors, 1500 m, 3000 m steeplechase and 5000 m outdoors.[10] She also topped her own American record in the steeplechase at the 2009 World Championships with a time of 9:12:50, finishing 5th overall.[11]

While primarily a steeplechaser, she ran 3:59.90 in the 1500 m at the 2009 Prefontaine Classic. At the time of the event, this performance made her the third-fastest female 1500 m runner in U.S. track and field history.[12]

Barringer came fifth at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, running a North American record time of 9:12.50 minutes for the event. It is also the best mark by any athlete from the Americas. She was the 2009 US Champion in the steeplechase.

While at Colorado, she won the Honda Sports Award as the nation's best collegiate female track and field athlete in 2009.[13][14]

Despite the fact that she could have signed a professional contract, Barringer returned to school in the fall of 2009 to compete in cross country.[15] On October 31, 2009, Barringer captured the Big 12 individual title, running a 6-kilometer course in 20 minutes, 27.46 seconds.[16] She was favored to win the NCAA Cross Country Championship on November 23, 2009, but collapsed after leading for the first two miles. She wound up in 163rd place. Barringer commented that she felt light headed all of a sudden.[17]

Barringer won the Inaugural Bowerman Award in 2009. The Bowerman Award is given to college track's Athlete of the Year.[18]

Professional

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In January 2010, Barringer signed a multi-year endorsement deal with New Balance.[19] Barringer later changed coaches from her University of Colorado at Boulder coach, Mark Wetmore, in favor of the Air Force Academy coach Juli Benson.[20]

Barringer missed most of the 2010 season due to a stress reaction in her right femur.[21] She married runner[22] Jason Simpson[23] on October 8, 2010, taking on Simpson as her last name from that date.[24]

Simpson began the 2011 season strong, winning the mile and 3000 meters championships at the 2011 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships.[25] She qualified for the 2011 World Championships in Athletics by finishing second in the 1500 meters at the US Track and Field Championship.[26]

Simpson won a gold medal at the 1500 meters at the World Championships in a time of 4:05:40. She beat rivals Hannah England and Natalia Rodriguez. Simpson's gold medal was considered a surprise.[27][28] She became the first American woman to win the event since Mary Decker at the inaugural World Championships in 1983.

On July 1, 2012, Simpson qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics with a third-place finish in the women's 1500 m at the 2012 United States Olympic Trials.[29] At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Simpson qualified for the 1500 meter semifinal in 4:13.89 but did not qualify for the final. She announced a return to coach Mark Wetmore in December 2012.[30]

2013

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Simpson claimed the USATF Outdoor 5000 meter title in 15:33.77 in the 95+ degree heat of Des Moines, Iowa on June 23.[31][32]

Simpson won a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow on August 15, 2013, in the 1500m with a time of 4:02.99.

Simpson won the September 22, 2013 Fifth Avenue Mile in 4:19.3.[33]

  • 1st at Drake Relays 1500m (4:03.35)
  • 1st at USATF Oxy HP 800m (2:00.45)
  • 1st at USA Outdoors 5,000m (15:33.77)
  • 3rd at Madrid 800m (2:02.15)
  • 1st at Monaco 1500m (4:00.48)
  • 2nd at World Outdoor 1500m (4:02.99)
  • 7th at Zurich 5,000m (14:56.26)
  • 10th in Brussels 1500m (4:10.70)

2014

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Jenny Simpson accepting the 2014 Jackie Joyner Kersee Award

Simpson was runner-up at the Boston New Balance Indoor Grand Prix 2 mile after miscounting her laps to finish in 9:26.19 on February 8.[34]

Simpson followed that performance with a 2nd-place finish in 27:57 at the US Cross Country Championship on February 15.[35]

At the Prefontaine Classic on May 31, she improved her personal best in the 1500 to 3:58.28. Simpson won the 1500 meters at the 2014 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 4:04.96.[36] On July 4, Simpson became the 2nd fastest American 1500 meter runner by running 3:57.22 at a Diamond League race in Paris.[37] With two wins late in the season, including a dramatic diving finish at the Weltklasse Zürich, she won the 2014 IAAF Diamond League.[38]

On September 13, 2014, Simpson repeated her 2013 win of the Fifth Avenue Mile in 4:19.4.[39][40]

At the end of the year she was selected as the winner of the Jackie Joyner Kersee Award.

  • May 18: 4:00 2nd at Shanghai Diamond League
  • May 31: 3:58 4th place at Eugene Diamond League
  • June 14: 4:02 3rd at New York Diamond League
  • June 29: 4:04 1st USATF Champs
  • July 5: 3:57 2nd place at Paris Diamond League
  • August 21: 4:00 1st Stockholm Diamond League
  • August 28: 3:59 1st at Zurich Diamond League
  • Sept 5th: 8:29 4th at Brussels Diamond League
  • September 13: 4:19.4 at Fifth Avenue Mile

2015

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Simpson won the Boston New Balance Indoor Grand Prix 2 mile in 9:18.35 on February 7, setting a new American record, 5 seconds ahead of Regina Jacobs' 2002 American record at the same event, 9:23.38.[34]

At the Prefontaine Classic on May 30, she won in a season best in the 1500 opener to 4:00.28.

At the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon Simpson won the 1500m in 4:14.86, and will represent the U.S. for the 1500m in the 2015 World Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China in August.

At the Herculis Diamond League meet at Stade Louis II in Monaco Simpson ran 3:57.30, just .18 off Mary Slaney's nearly 32-year-old American record before the race.[41] During that same race, a second ahead of her, Shannon Rowbury improved the American record to 3:56.29 and Genzebe Dibaba improved the world record to 3:50.07.

At the 2015 World Championships in Athletics – Women's 1500 metres in Beijing, China, Simpson finished 11th in the final round after losing her shoe[42][43] and struggled, finishing in 4:16.28.

On September 11, at the Diamond League finale in Brussels, Simpson placed 4th in the mile in 4:22.18, just behind Shannon Rowbury who finished in 4:22.10.[44]

On September 13, Simpson placed 1st in a time of 4:29.0 at New York Road Runners Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City.[45] By the end of the year, she ran the 3000 meters standard[46] for the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships in the 3000 metres[47] at the Zürich Diamond League.

2016

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Simpson won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, to become the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in that event.[48]

On September 3, she placed first in a time of 4:18.3 at the Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City.[49]

2017

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Simpson ran a 4:19.98 mile, finishing 5th at the London Anniversary Games on July 9, 2017, behind Hellen Obiri and Laura Muir, Winny Chebet and Angelika Cichocka, setting a personal record, and second fastest time ever for an American woman.[50]

Simpson wins silver medal at the 2017 World Athletics Championships

She won her second silver medal in the World Championships 1500m event on August 7, 2017, at the 2017 World Championships, finishing in 4:02.76, less than 0.2 seconds behind Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon.

Simpson capped her 2017 campaign with a record-setting win at the New York Road Runners Fifth Avenue Mile. In addition to achieving a record sixth Fifth Avenue title, she tied the longstanding meet record with a time of 4:16.6.[51]

2018–2021

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Simpson won the Fifth Avenue Mile again in 2018 making it six straight and seven total Fifth Avenue titles.[52]

On September 8, 2019, Simpson bettered her best time in the Fifth Avenue Mile, running 4:16.1 to give her sole possession of the event record.[53] It was her seventh straight win and her eighth title in the event.[54]

On June 21, 2021, she finished tenth in the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials 1500 meter run with a time of 4:07.76, failing to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.[55] This was the first time she failed to make a national team since she made the team in 2007.

Achievements

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International competitions

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Representing the  United States
Year Competition Venue Position Event Time
2004 World Cross Country Championships Brussels, Belgium 35th Junior race 22:19
2005 World Cross Country Championships Saint-Galmier, France 47th Junior race 23:03
2007 World Championships Osaka, Japan 7th (h) 3000 m s'chase 9:51.04
2008 Olympic Games Beijing, China 9th 3000 m s'chase 9:22.26
2009 World Championships Berlin, Germany 5th 3000 m s'chase 9:12.50
2011 World Championships Daegu, South Korea 1st 1500 m 4:05.40
2012 Olympic Games London, United Kingdom 11th (sf) 1500 m 4:06.89
2013 World Championships Moscow, Russia 2nd 1500 m 4:02.99
2015 World Championships Beijing, China 11th 1500 m 4:16.28
2016 Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 3rd 1500 m 4:10.53
2017 World Championships London, United Kingdom 2nd 1500 m 4:02.76
2019 World Championships Doha, Qatar 8th 1500 m 3:58.42

Circuit wins and titles

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1500 metres wins, other events specified in parentheses

National championships

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Year Competition Venue Position Event Time
2004 USATF Cross Country Championships Indianapolis, Indiana 4th Junior race 21:21
2005 USATF Cross Country Championships Vancouver, Washington 3rd Junior race 22:05.1
2007 USATF Championships Indianapolis, Indiana 1st 3000 m s'chase 9:36.64
2008 U.S. Olympic Trials Eugene, Oregon 3rd 3000 m s'chase 9:33.11
2009 USATF Championships Eugene, Oregon 1st 3000 m s'chase 9:29.38
2011 USATF Indoor Championships Albuquerque, New Mexico 1st One mile 4:34.96
1st 3000 m 9:02.20
USATF Championships Eugene, Oregon 2nd 1500 m 4:05.66
2012 USATF Indoor Championships Albuquerque, New Mexico 1st 1500 m 4:15.04
1st 3000 m 9:19.15
U.S. Olympic Trials Eugene, Oregon 3rd 1500 m 4:05.17
2013 USATF Championships Des Moines, Iowa 1st 5000 m 15:33.77
2014 USATF Championships Sacramento, California 1st 1500 m 4:04.96[59]
USATF Cross Country Championships Boulder, Colorado 2nd Senior race 27:57
2015 USATF Championships Eugene, Oregon 1st 1500 m 4:14.86
2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Eugene, Oregon 1st 1500 m 4:04.74
2017 USATF Championships Sacramento, California 1st 1500 m 4:06.33
2018 USATF Championships Des Moines, Iowa 2nd 1500 m 4:06.21
2019 USATF Championships Des Moines, Iowa 2nd 1500 m 4:03.41
2021 U.S. Olympic Trials Eugene, Oregon 10th 1500 m 4:07.76

NCAA championships

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Representing Colorado Buffaloes
Year Competition Venue Position Event Time
2005 NCAA Division I XC Championships Terre Haute, Indiana 43rd Individual race 20:36.00[60]
2006 NCAA Division I XC Championships Terre Haute, Indiana 2nd Individual race 20:37.9[61]
NCAA Division I Championships Sacramento, California 1st 3000 m s'chase 9:53.04
2007 NCAA Division I XC Championships Terre Haute, Indiana 2nd Individual race 19:47.8[62]
NCAA Division I Indoor Championships Fayetteville, Arkansas 12th 3000 m 9:23.54
NCAA Division I Championships Sacramento, California 7th 3000 m s'chase 9:59.81
2008 NCAA Division I Championships Des Moines, Iowa 1st 3000 m s'chase 9:29.20
2009 NCAA Division I XC Championships Terre Haute, Indiana 163rd Individual race 21:46.9[63]
NCAA Division I Championships Fayetteville, Arkansas 1st 3000 m s'chase 9:25.54

Personal bests

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Event Time Venue Date
Outdoor
800 meters 2:00.45 Los Angeles, CA, United States May 17, 2013
1500 meters 3:57.22 Paris, France July 5, 2014
One mile 4:17.30 London, United Kingdom July 22, 2018
3000 meters 8:29.58 Brussels, Belgium September 5, 2014
Two miles 9:16.78 AB Des Moines, IA, United States April 27, 2018
5000 meters 14:56.26 Zürich, Switzerland August 29, 2013
3000 m steeplechase 9:12.50 Berlin, Germany August 17, 2009
Indoor
1500 meters 4:07.27 New York, NY, United States February 11, 2012
One mile 4:25.91 College Station, TX, United States February 28, 2009
3000 meters 8:40.31 Boston, MA, United States February 10, 2018
Two miles 9:18.35 Boston, MA, United States February 7, 2015
5000 meters 14:58.67 Boston, MA, United States February 14, 2020
Road
One mile 4:38.0h Newcastle, United Kingdom September 15, 2012

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jenny Simpson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jennifer Simpson (née Barringer; born August 23, 1986, in ) is a retired American middle- and long-distance runner who specialized in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters steeplechase. She achieved international prominence as a three-time Olympian, earning a in the 1500 m at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics—the first for an American woman in that event—and placing eighth in the 3000 m steeplechase at the 2008 Games. Simpson also won gold in the 1500 m at the 2011 World Championships in , becoming the first American woman to claim that title since 1983, along with silver medals in the same event at the 2013 and 2017 London Championships. Raised in , where she attended , Simpson began competitive running at a young age and initially dreamed of becoming an Olympic equestrian before focusing on . At the , from which she graduated in 2009 with degrees in and , she excelled in NCAA competition, securing three individual steeplechase titles, four overall NCAA championships, and six NCAA records while helping the Buffaloes to multiple team titles. Transitioning to professional running after college, she signed with and shifted from steeplechase to the 1500 m, setting American records in the 3000 m steeplechase (9:12.50 in 2009) and later in the 3000 m (8:29.58). Throughout her 20-year elite career, Simpson amassed nine national titles, including multiple in the 1500 m and mile, and was ranked the world's top 1500 m runner in 2014 while winning the overall title that year. She also dominated , securing eight victories in the 5th Avenue Mile from 2011 and 2013 to 2019, and held the third-fastest American time in the 1500 m (3:57.22). Known for her mental resilience and positive mindset, Simpson competed consistently at major championships through 2019, finishing eighth in the 1500 m at the 2019 World Championships in . Simpson announced her retirement in 2024 at age 38, following her final elite race at the on November 3, 2024. Post-retirement, she serves as a volunteer assistant coach for cross country and track at the , where she has been involved since 2013, and embarked on a year-long 2025 van-life adventure across all 50 U.S. states with her husband, , to promote running, visit national parks, and support dog adoptions.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Jennifer Simpson, née Jennifer Mae Barringer, was born on August 23, 1986, in Webster City, Iowa. Her parents, Bruce and Janet Barringer, provided a supportive family environment, with Simpson growing up alongside her brother, John, and sister, Emily. The family initially lived in Iowa before relocating to Missouri and then to Oviedo, Florida, when Simpson was in third grade, a move that occurred over Thanksgiving break and marked a significant shift in her early life. In her early years, Simpson showed a strong interest in equestrian sports, aspiring to become an Olympian in that discipline. This passion for horses dominated her childhood activities until the family's move to introduced new opportunities. Arriving mid-year at her new school in , Simpson felt isolated and sought ways to connect with peers; her teacher suggested joining the track team as a means to make friends, which sparked her initial curiosity about running. Her love for the sport began during elementary school playground races, where she discovered a natural affinity for distance running. The move to Florida's warmer climate and active community further shaped her early athletic development, with Simpson receiving her first pair of running shoes from the local Track Shack store and participating in their youth events. These experiences, combined with her family's encouragement, transitioned her from equestrian pursuits to running as a primary focus by the end of elementary school.

High school running career

Jenny Simpson attended in , where she began her competitive running career under coach Jay Getty. During her high school years from 2001 to 2005, she emerged as a dominant force in both cross country and track, supported by her family's encouragement for her athletic pursuits. Simpson secured three Florida state championships in cross country, winning titles in 2002, 2003, and 2004 at the FHSAA Championships, and also claimed two South Regional championships. On the track, she won five state titles in events including the 1,600 meters (mile) and 3,200 meters (two-mile), contributing to a total of eight FHSAA state championships overall. Her performances at national-level competitions, such as the where she placed third in 2004, highlighted her potential as one of the top high school distance runners in the country. In addition to her championships, Simpson set Florida state high school records in the mile (4:42.2), two-mile (9:55.5), 5,000 meters (16:55.0), and three-mile (15:54.0), marks that underscored her versatility and speed in distance events. These achievements at key meets like the FHSAA state meets established her as a record-breaking talent. As a retrospective honor, Oviedo High School renamed its track the "Jenny Simpson Track" on February 3, 2018, recognizing her contributions to the school's running program and her subsequent international success.

Collegiate running career

Jenny Simpson, then known as Jenny Barringer, enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2005 after a standout high school career at Oviedo High School in Florida, where she won eight state championships that facilitated her recruitment to the Buffaloes. She joined the Colorado Buffaloes women's cross country and track and field teams, competing under legendary coach Mark Wetmore, whose program emphasized high-altitude training in Boulder to build endurance. During her four years, Simpson became a cornerstone of the team, contributing significantly to the Buffaloes' consistent top finishes in Big 12 Conference meets and NCAA regionals, though the women's squad did not secure a national team title in her era. Simpson's individual brilliance shone brightest in middle-distance and steeplechase events, where she emerged as one of the most dominant collegiate runners. As a in 2006, she claimed her first title in the outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase, winning in 9:53.04 at the championships in Sacramento. She placed seventh in 2007 after her shoe was clipped during the final but reclaimed the title in 2008, setting a collegiate record of 9:29.20 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in . In 2009, as a senior, Simpson added a fourth NCAA individual championship by winning the indoor 3,000 meters in 8:42.03, a time that established new collegiate, meet, stadium, and school records. That same outdoor season, she secured another steeplechase victory at the NCAA Championships in , with a time of 9:25.54, capping a year in which she remained undefeated in collegiate track races across distances from 1,500 to 5,000 meters and set multiple NCAA records, including in the mile (4:25.91 indoor) and 1,500 meters (3:59.90). Her exceptional 2009 season earned Simpson the as the top female collegiate athlete in the nation, recognizing her as the most outstanding performer among Division I women. Simpson's contributions extended beyond individual accolades; her leadership and scoring at major meets helped elevate the Buffaloes' profile in distance events, fostering a culture of excellence under Wetmore's guidance that produced numerous All-Americans. Following the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Simpson turned professional upon completing her collegiate eligibility, marking the end of a transformative collegiate chapter that solidified her legacy at .

Professional running career

Early professional years (2010–2012)

Following her standout collegiate career, Jenny Simpson transitioned to professional running in 2010 by signing a contract with , marking her entry into the elite level as Jennifer Barringer Simpson. That year, she relocated from , to Monument to train under U.S. Academy coach Juli Benson, adapting her regimen to focus on middle-distance events amid persistent injuries that had plagued her steeplechase pursuits. A hip injury limited her 2010 season to just four competitions, prompting a full shift from the 3000m steeplechase—where her collegiate American record of 9:12.50 had highlighted her potential—to the 1500m, an event better suited to her tactical strengths and less prone to the barriers' physical toll. This change, driven by recovery needs, allowed her to build endurance without the steeplechase's injury risks, as she later noted the event's demands had exacerbated her stress fractures. Simpson's professional debut built on her 2008 Olympic experience, where, still a collegian, she had placed ninth in the women's 3000m steeplechase final in with a time of 9:22.26, setting an American record and gaining international exposure that eased her pro transition. In 2010 and , she secured strong domestic results, including a third-place finish in the 5000m at the 2010 U.S. Outdoor Championships despite injury setbacks, and a runner-up position in the 1500m at the 2011 U.S. Outdoor Championships in Eugene with a time of 4:05.66, qualifying her for the World Championships team. She also debuted prominently on the IAAF Diamond League circuit, competing in meets like the 2010 Shanghai Golden Grand Prix where she placed first in the 1500m (4:03.63), and earning additional top finishes in 2011 events such as Rome, showcasing her growing tactical prowess in elite fields. These performances established her as a rising U.S. middle-distance contender, blending speed and closing kick honed from her steeplechase background. Her breakthrough came at the 2011 World Championships in , , where Simpson claimed gold in the women's 1500m final, finishing in 4:05.40 after surging from fifth in the final straight to edge out Britain's by 0.28 seconds—the first gold for an American woman in the event since 1983. Building momentum into 2012, she placed third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 1500m to secure her spot on the London team, but encountered challenges abroad, finishing 11th in her semi-final heat (4:05.90) after advancing from the heats, hampered by tactical positioning in a competitive field. These early years solidified Simpson's reputation for resilient, come-from-behind races, setting the stage for sustained international success while navigating the physical and strategic demands of professional competition.

Peak track achievements (2013–2017)

Simpson's peak track period began with a in the women's 1500m at the 2013 World Championships in , where she finished second in 4:02.99 behind Sweden's Abeba Aregawi, marking the start of her medal accumulation in major championships following her 2011 gold. This performance highlighted her tactical prowess, as she led much of the race before a late surge from Aregawi edged her out. She also secured her second consecutive U.S. outdoor 1500m title that year, reinforcing her dominance domestically. In 2014, Simpson elevated her season to new heights, establishing a personal best of 3:57.22 in the 1500m at the meeting in Paris-Saint Denis on July 5, placing second behind and coming within 0.10 seconds of Mary Slaney's American record. This time underscored her improved speed and endurance, honed through high-mileage training at altitude in . She won multiple 1500m races that year, including victories in and the decisive final by a mere 0.01 seconds over , clinching the overall title—the first for an American woman in the event. Simpson also captured her third straight U.S. outdoor 1500m national title, solidifying her position as the leading American in the distance. By 2016, Simpson achieved a historic milestone at the Rio Olympics, earning bronze in the 1500m with a time of 4:10.53—the first for an American woman in the event—after a strong final-lap push to overtake several competitors, including world-record holder , who faded to fifth. This came amid a fierce rivalry with Kenya's , who claimed gold in 4:08.92, setting the stage for their repeated clashes in tactical, high-stakes finals. Prior to Rio, Simpson won her fourth consecutive U.S. outdoor 1500m title at the Olympic Trials. Simpson's form carried into 2017, where she defended her U.S. outdoor 1500m title for a fifth straight victory with a time of 4:06.33 at the national championships in Sacramento. At the World Championships in , she captured silver in the 1500m, clocking 4:02.76 to finish just 0.17 seconds behind Kipyegon, who defended her title in 4:02.59, completing Simpson's collection of medals from every major global championship in the event. Her consistent positioning and kick in these races exemplified the aerobic-focused training regimen in Boulder's high-altitude environment, which emphasized endurance over pure speed for middle-distance success.

Later track years (2018–2021)

Following her peak years, Jenny Simpson continued to compete at a high level on the track but faced increasing challenges from emerging competitors, physical setbacks, and external disruptions. In 2018, she placed second at the USATF Outdoor Championships in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:06.21, securing her spot on the world championships team. The following year, Simpson again finished runner-up in the 1500 meters at the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships, clocking 4:05.20 behind . Internationally, her results were solid but without medals; she earned eighth place in the 1500 meters at the 2019 World Championships in , running 3:58.42 in one of the fastest fields ever assembled. These performances highlighted Simpson's resilience in her early 30s, though she noted the growing depth in the event as younger athletes like Elle Purrier and challenged her dominance. Simpson encountered further hurdles from injuries and the physical toll of aging, which affected her training consistency. Reports from 2020 indicated she dealt with an undisclosed injury that limited her preparation, compounding the difficulties of maintaining peak form into her mid-30s. The exacerbated these issues, leading to the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to 2021 and drastically reducing racing opportunities. With global meets canceled, Simpson's 2020 season was sparse; she won the Camel City Elite 3000 meters indoors in 8:51.49, a world-leading time on a flat track, but had few other competitions. Her participation was minimal during this period, reflecting the broader shutdown of international track events. In 2021, Simpson focused on qualifying for her fourth Olympics amid ongoing pandemic restrictions, but her efforts fell short. At the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, she finished 10th in the 1500 meters final with a time of 4:07.76, missing the top-three spots needed for Tokyo selection. Post-race, Simpson reflected on the year's disruptions, stating she had been in strong shape entering 2020 but struggled with injury recovery and the lack of competitive rhythm during the shutdown, which impacted her speed and confidence. These trials marked a transitional phase, as Simpson began contemplating the sustainability of elite 1500-meter racing and exploring variations like longer indoor distances to extend her track career.

Transition to road running and retirement (2022–2024)

In 2022, Simpson transitioned her focus from track to , signing a sponsorship deal with Puma after her long-term contract with expired at the end of 2021. This shift allowed her to explore longer distances while leveraging her endurance base from multiple national track titles. In October 2022, she won the Army Ten-Miler in 54:15. She made her half-marathon debut at the 2023 , finishing ninth in 1:10:35 and qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Entering 2024, Simpson aimed for the Paris Olympics via the U.S. marathon trials in Orlando, marking her debut at the full marathon distance, but she dropped out around mile 18 and did not qualify for the team. Building on this momentum, Simpson made her first completed marathon appearance at the in April, where she finished 18th overall in 2:31:39 despite challenging conditions. In October 2024, Simpson won the Wineglass Half Marathon in , setting a course record of 1:10:50 and securing victory by a significant margin. She then competed in the as her final professional race, finishing 18th in 2:31:54. On October 31, 2024, Simpson announced her retirement from professional running following the NYC Marathon, citing a desire to prioritize family time with her husband and pursue new adventures beyond competitive racing. True to this shift, shortly after retiring, she completed the Great World Race challenge in November 2024, running seven marathons across seven continents in seven consecutive days to celebrate her post-competitive running passion.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Jenny Simpson married fellow runner on October 8, 2010. The couple met through mutual friends in the running community and dated for 11 months before becoming engaged while Simpson was preparing for the . The Simpsons have no children, though Simpson has expressed interest in starting a family after her competitive running career. They share a deep passion for running, often motivating each other during training sessions at their home in , and participating in races together post-retirement. Their family also includes two Jack Russell terriers, which accompany them on adventures. To balance Simpson's demanding professional career with their personal life, the couple relocated multiple times within . After their marriage, they briefly moved from to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for her training, but returned to in 2013 because Jason works there and the location offers an ideal running environment. This stability in helped Simpson manage the rigors of elite competition while maintaining their relationship. Jason has provided steadfast support throughout Simpson's career, including traveling to London to cheer her on at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He continued this role during her transition to retirement in 2024, joining her for joint running tours across the United States.

Sponsorships and post-competitive involvement

Throughout her professional career, Jenny Simpson was primarily sponsored by , signing a multi-year endorsement deal with the brand in January 2010 shortly after her collegiate success. This partnership lasted over a decade, supporting her through multiple Olympic cycles and world championships until it concluded at the end of 2021 amid personal challenges including a house fire. In October 2022, Simpson transitioned to Puma as her primary sponsor, aligning with her shift toward and longer distances, a move that marked a new chapter in her professional endorsements. She competed under the Puma banner through her final professional race at the 2024 . Following her retirement in November 2024, Simpson has remained deeply involved in the running community. She served as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising (NYRR), the organization's free youth running program, from 2017 to 2021, mentoring young athletes, supporting coaches nationwide, and advocating for accessible running opportunities, emphasizing fitness and recreation for all ages. Her contributions to youth development and the sport's growth earned her induction into the NYRR Hall of Fame during the 2025 TCS on October 30. Simpson has also expanded her post-competitive efforts into coaching and media, serving as a volunteer assistant coach for cross country and track at the since 2013, becoming a certified coach with the Run-Walk-Run method to guide recreational runners, and sharing her expertise through podcasts and appearances. These activities underscore her ongoing commitment to running advocacy, including promoting inclusive participation and mental resilience in the sport.

Achievements

International competitions

Simpson represented the at three , competing in the 3000m steeplechase in 2008 and the 1500m in 2012 and 2016, where she earned a in the latter event. She did not qualify for the 2020 or 2024 Olympics, having placed 10th in the 1500m at the 2020 U.S. Trials and shifting focus to thereafter. At the , Simpson secured one gold and two silver medals in the 1500m across multiple editions, establishing herself as one of the most successful American women in the event's history.

Olympic Games Results

YearEventPlacementTimeNotes
2008 ()3000m Steeplechase9th9:22.26American record at the time
2012 ()1500mDid not advance (11th in semifinals)4:04.67 (semifinal)Qualified via U.S. Trials but eliminated in semifinals
2016 (Rio de Janeiro)1500m3rd ()4:10.53First U.S. woman to medal in Olympic 1500m

World Athletics Championships Results

YearEventPlacementTimeNotes
2011 ()1500m1st (Gold)4:05.40First U.S. woman to win world 1500m title; slowest winning time in event history at the time
2013 ()1500m2nd (Silver)4:02.99Defending ; second to Abeba Aregawi
2017 (London)1500m2nd (Silver)4:02.76Dramatic late surge to overtake for silver behind
Simpson's international medal tally includes one Olympic bronze and three World Championship medals (one gold, two silvers), all in the 1500m except her 2008 steeplechase appearance. She had no major results in other global events like the World Indoor Championships or Commonwealth Games.

National and NCAA championships

Jenny Simpson amassed 11 U.S. national titles across indoor and outdoor track events, primarily in the 1500 meters and mile, but also including earlier victories in the 3000-meter steeplechase and 5000 meters, spanning from 2007 to 2017. These domestic triumphs consistently positioned her among the top American qualifiers for international competitions, including multiple Olympic and World Championships teams. During her collegiate career at the , competing as Jennifer Barringer, Simpson secured four individual titles, establishing her as one of the most decorated distance runners in program history. Her NCAA victories came in the 3000-meter steeplechase and indoor 3000 meters, showcasing her versatility and dominance in middle-distance events.

NCAA Championships

YearEventVenueNotes
2007Outdoor 3000 m steeplechaseSacramento, CAFirst NCAA steeplechase title; also her first U.S. national title in the event.
2008Outdoor 3000 m steeplechaseDes Moines, IACollegiate record of 9:29.20; second consecutive steeplechase crown.
2009Indoor 3000 mCollege Station, TXPart of an undefeated indoor season; contributed to her win.
2009Outdoor 3000 m steeplechaseFayetteville, ARThird straight steeplechase title with 9:25.54; capped a legendary senior year.

U.S. National Championships

Simpson's U.S. titles highlight her transition from steeplechase specialist to elite 1500-meter contender, with wins in diverse events that underscored her endurance and tactical prowess.

Indoor Titles

  • 2011 Mile: Albuquerque, NM – Defeated strong field to open her professional title haul.
  • 2011 3000 m: Albuquerque, NM – Swept distance events at the championships.
  • 2012 1500 m: Albuquerque, NM – Defended her metric mile dominance.
  • 2012 3000 m: Albuquerque, NM – Completed another double in the longer event.

Outdoor Titles

  • 2007 3000 m steeplechase: Indianapolis, IN – Emerged as a collegiate standout with her debut national win.
  • 2009 3000 m steeplechase: Eugene, OR – Secured Olympic qualification; second national steeplechase victory.
  • 2013 5000 m: Des Moines, IA – Marked her return to longer distances post-Worlds focus.
  • 2014 1500 m: Sacramento, CA – First national title at her signature distance.
  • 2015 1500 m: Eugene, OR – Repeated as champion in a tactical race.
  • 2016 1500 m (Olympic Trials): Eugene, OR – Earned third straight 1500 m title and Rio berth.
  • 2017 1500 m: Sacramento, CA – Fourth consecutive 1500 m national crown.

Personal bests and records

Jenny Simpson's personal best in the 1500 meters is 3:57.22, achieved on July 5, 2014, at the meeting in , , which ranked her third all-time among American women at the time and positioned her as the top American performer in the event for multiple seasons, including 2014 when she ended the year as the world number one. Her progression in the 1500 meters reflects steady improvement from her collegiate days, with key marks establishing her dominance in . In the 3000 meters steeplechase, Simpson's personal best of 9:12.50 came on August 17, 2009, at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in , setting a collegiate American record that stood for over a decade. She also holds personal bests of 2:00.45 in the 800 meters (May 17, 2013, ), 4:17.30 in the mile (July 22, 2018, ), and 14:56.26 in the 5000 meters (August 28, 2014, Zurich). Transitioning to road events later in her career, Simpson recorded a half-marathon best of 1:10:50 at the Wineglass Half Marathon on October 6, 2024, in , and a marathon debut of 2:31:39 at the on April 15, 2024, marking her fastest 26.2-mile performance. Among her record-holding achievements, Simpson set American records in the two-mile event both indoors (9:18.35, February 7, 2015, ) and outdoors (9:16.78, April 27, 2018, Des Moines).
EventTimeDateVenue
1500m3:59.90May 31, 2009, Eugene, OR (first sub-4:00 as collegian)
1500m3:58.28May 31, 2013, Eugene, OR
1500m3:57.22July 5, 2014, Paris, France (personal best)

Awards and honors

Simpson received the for Track & Field in 2009, recognizing her as the top female collegiate athlete in the sport that year. She also became the first female recipient of The Bowerman Award in 2009, presented by the U.S. and Cross Country Coaches Association to the most outstanding NCAA track and field athlete. In her professional career, Simpson was named the Female in 2014, honoring her championship and world-leading performances in the 1500 meters. Track & Field News similarly selected her as their U.S. Women's for 2014. She was a finalist for the USATF Female award in 2013. Simpson's contributions to running extended beyond competition, earning her inductions into several halls of fame. In 2018, she was inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame for her collegiate and professional achievements. That same year, her alma mater, in , renamed its track the Jenny Simpson Track in her honor. In 2022, she was inducted into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor as one of the conference's most decorated athletes. On November 5, 2025, Simpson was inducted into the Hall of Fame, recognizing her eight victories in the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and her role as an ambassador for the organization's youth programs.
YearAward/HonorDescription
2009 for Track & FieldTop female collegiate track and field athlete in the U.S.
2009The Bowerman AwardInaugural female winner for outstanding NCAA track and field performance.
2013USATF Female FinalistRecognized among top U.S. female athletes.
2014USATF Female Honored for Diamond League title and global leadership in the 1500m.
2014Track & Field News U.S. Women's Selected for world No. 1 ranking in the 1500m/mile.
2018Colorado Running Hall of Fame InducteeAcknowledged for NCAA and professional contributions.
2018Oviedo High School Track NamingTrack renamed in her honor at her high school .
2022Pac-12 Hall of Honor InducteeCelebrated as one of the most accomplished Pac-12 athletes.
2025 Hall of Fame InducteeHonored for multiple 5th Avenue Mile wins and youth program ambassadorship.

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