The 2016 Summer Olympics may be taking place in Rio de Janeiro, but for American distance runner Jenny Simpson, some of her biggest fans will be watching the events from right here in California.
Jenny is the granddaughter-in-law of California's Roy Simpson, owner of Simpson's Barber Shop in town. Roy recently saw Jenny compete in May at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, where she finished fourth in the 1500 meter run with a time of 4:01.57.
For Jenny, the track in Eugene is familiar territory. It's where she's produced several top-three finishes in recent years, including wins in the U.S. Track and Field Championships and Prefontaine Classic in 2015. It's also where she qualified for these Olympics just a few weeks ago, taking first in the 1500 with a 4:04.74.
"I wasn't surprised to see her make it," Roy said. "I was happy, of course."
The recent victory at the Olympic trials further solidified Jenny's status at the top American women's runner in the 1500. However, her first trip to the Olympics (Beijing 2008) came as an athlete in the 3000 meter steeplechase, where she took ninth with a 9:22.26.
Since turning pro in 2010 and signing an endorsement deal with New Balance, Jenny has focused on the pure running events, mainly the 1500. In the 2012 Olympics in London, she took 11th place with a 4:06.89 and has consistently bested that mark over the last couple years.
These summer games in Rio will wrap up two days before Jenny's 30th birthday, and may be her best and final chance to take home an Olympic medal. Those interested in viewing Jenny's progress will have the benefit of prime-time coverage. The preliminary race for the women's 1500 is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12. The two semifinal heats will start at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14. The final is set for Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 p.m.
"She needs somebody to cheer her on," Roy said. "Even though we'll just be watching on the TV."
For more information, visit the appropriately-named www.trackjenny.com.