Kemoy Campbell Announces Retirement From Pro Track

By Todd Grasley for DyeStat

Six months after collapsing at the NYRR Millrose Games, Jamaican distance runner Kemoy Campbell has announced his retirement.

He let the running community know via Instagram that he will no longer be competing in the sport after doctors advised him that competing could put him at further risk with his heart condition.

“It is with a heavy heart, or half of one rather, that I must say goodbye to the sport,” he explained. “I have given my all to this sport. It has taken me to places I have never dreamt of going. It gave a shy boy from a rural area in Jamaica the opportunity to prove himself to the world.”

Campbell set the Jamaican Indoor record in the 3,000 meters at the NYRR Millrose Games in 2016 and broke the 5,000-meter Jamaican Indoor record with a 13:14.45 at the BU Last Chance Meet in 2017. For the mid-distance standout, it was the IAAF World Championships in London that stands out the most.

“My favorite memory is when I made the finals at World Championships and finished 10th,” he noted. “It’s something no Jamaican had done and it made me happy.”

Fellow Jamaican and 400-meter standout, Christopher “Cubby” Taylor reached out to Campbell on social media, nothing his appreciation and respect.

“Sad to hear about your retirement,” Taylor said. “Jamaican track and field and especially middle distance running is better because of you. Keep shining and keep strong. Stay healthy. In my mind you are one of our sporting icons.”

As for what’s next? Campbell isn’t sure yet, but he does plan on staying in Charlottesville, Va. for the time being to help his Reebok Boston Track Club team and learn from the coaches. Throughout the process he remained optimistic that he’d be back, and the track and field community showed its support in a major way. Reebok President Matt O’Toole pledged $50,000 from the company to help with medical expenses, while a GoFundMe page has raised $63,321.

“To all the people that have followed me and my journey, I am happy that I had them as supporters,” he said. “They’re the ones that helped me get as far as I did. I also want them to encourage others to do their best because one day they might help someone else to be successful in this sport.”