Kemoy Campbell recovering after Millrose Games collapse

Jamaican Olympic distance runner Kemoy Campbell, 28, collapsed on Saturday at the Millrose Games in New York City. After serving as the pace keeper in the mens’ 3000m race, Campbell, an Olympian and Jamaican national record holder, was lost consciousness and was rushed to New York Presbyterian/ Columbia University Hospital where he was placed in a medically-induced coma.

He is currently in stable, but critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit. The athlete is awake and recovering.  The family has launched a “Kemoy Campbell Support Fund” GoFundMe account to cover medical costs and other expenses. Matt O’Toole, president of Reebok, was also reported to have announced a US$50,000 donation to assist with expenses associated with his recovery.

In the meantime, Campbell posted a message to his supporters on his Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

I really didn’t know how to start this caption and while I started writing, tears flowed from my eyes. I realize that I’m either very luck, or someone was watching out for me Saturday. I cry because I know what the people who truly care about me went through and when I heard my dad’s voice on the phone I couldn’t stop crying. I heard the shock, saddness, pain, and relief all at once. For those who don’t know me, I push myself hard in practice and give nothing but my best in whatever I’m doing. As athletes we train to push our bodies beyond its normal limits. Until my heart stopped at Millrose Games on Saturday, I don’t remember any of it and I know there are videos around, but I don’t need to see them.. It’s been tough not physically, but mentally, it has been a battle. Anyway, for those who care, I am recovering. I walked yesterday for the time and I was a little dizzy, but pushed through with the help of the PTs. Most of all though, I want to thank everyone who donated to help me get back track. I love you all.

A post shared by Kemoy R Campbell (@kemoy_campbell) on Feb 13, 2019 at 6:10am PST

Campbell is from Mandeville, and previously competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing 25th in the 5000m heats before failing to advance to the finals. He was the first Jamaican athlete to compete in the IAAF World Championships 5000m in London held in 2017. He finished 10th with a time of 13:39.74.