Campbell Making Progress, Thankful For Support

By Todd Grasley for DyeStat

The mystery of what caused Kemoy Campbell's heart to stop after he stepped off the track at the 112th NYRR Millrose Games remains, but Jamaica's greatest distance runner is feeling better and grateful for the wide range of support that has poured in from the running community worldwide.

A GoFundMe account that was started by Campbell’s girlfriend had, by Wednesday night, raised just shy of $50,000. Sports Illustrated reported Tuesday that Mark O'Toole, President of Reebok, said the company is donating $50,000 to help with medical expenses. That brings the total to roughly $100,000 of the $200,000 goal. 

“I’m hoping that whatever I get is enough,” Cambpell said Wednesday in an exchange on social media. “I will find some way to cover the rest if there is more.I’m just grateful for whatever help people have offered.”

Campbell, who was pacing the men's 3,000 meters at The Armory, located directly across the street from New York Presbyterian/Columbia Medica Center, was treated track side before being moved to the hospital.

“I’m doing better. Thank you,” he said. “The doctors haven’t told me anything that points to the problem. It is just countless test after test.”

Campbell isn’t sure when he will be released from the hospital and doesn’t remember anything after he got to the track that day.

“I wish I remembered racing. I just remembered being on the bus with (Edward) Cheserek heading to The Armory,” Campbell noted. “At the meet ... I can’t remember what happened, but I’m thankful for all the support I’m getting with recovering and everything else.”

Campbell offered relief to a pensive running community when he updated his Instagram on Wednesday with news that he had been out of his bed and was able to walk.  

“I’ve got all ends covered with great family and friends in my corner,” he exclaimed. "THANK GOD."

Campbell said he is waiting, along with his doctors, on the results of tests. 

“I do feel a lot better,” he said. “I’m not dizzy when I stand up anymore and I’m walking around further and further everyday. I don’t think I can run anytime soon, but after tomorrow I should know.”

Thursday is expected to be another day of rest, recovery and progress.  

“I just pray that the test tomorrow will reveal some answers and I can continue running," Campbell said. “That’s what I’m mostly scared about, but I'm trying to keep a positive mentality.”