Andrew Logue

alogue@dmreg.com

A poster-sized photo of Jenny Simpson hangs in her grandfather’s home office.

Her grandmother keeps the neighbors in Spencer, Ia., updated on Simpson’s progress as an elite middle-distance runner.

And when Robert and Delores Barringer tune in to watch the Olympic 1,500 meters — an event no American female has ever medaled in — they’ll celebrate every lap their granddaughter takes around the track.

“We’re really thrilled about it,” Delores said. “And you know what, it’s made us kind of famous right here in our town. People ask about her all the time and we have so many friends who are following her.

“It’s just been a wonderful experience.”

Jenny (Barringer) Simpson was born in Webster City, but her strongest ties to Iowa are family.

That’s what motivated her to become a Drake Relays regular.

“It means more, I think, every year, because my grandparents are here,” Simpson said after winning her fourth straight Drake title last April. “This is the one meet of the season they can come see me and cheer for me.”

Delores and Robert have 11 grandchildren, and their house is decorated with mementos.

Among the items: A snapshot of Simpson holding a gold medal following her victory at the 2011 World Championships, and another of their granddaughter with an American flag.

Memories of holiday visits are even more precious.

“It’s not until I started getting older,” Simpson said, “that I was starting to love and appreciate coming back.”

Bruce Barringer, Simpson’s father, graduated from Spencer High School and Iowa State before becoming a professor.

Her mother, Janet, has roots in Storm Lake.

Simpson explains her Iowa connections:

Jenny Simpson remembers living in Ames for a while and going to Cyclone basketball games, but her running career gained momentum in Florida.

A grade school teacher nudged Simpson into the sport, and she eventually became an eight-time Florida state champion for Oviedo High School.

“I love thinking I was just this normal, average kid born in Iowa, (who) moved to Florida,” Simpson said. “There was nothing really special about me in a third-grade PE class.

“When you encourage somebody and tell them to try something for the first time, you have no idea where that could lead.”

Simpson earned three NCAA steeplechase titles while running for Colorado and made the United States Olympic team for the first time in 2008.

She married fellow runner Jeff Simpson in 2010 and gradually focused more on the 1,500.

Others in the 'Iowa to Rio' series:

“As far as having goals and establishing a career and a legacy,” Simpson said, “(the Olympics) is not a box to check off — this is the box to check off.”

The women’s 1,500 was introduced at the Olympics in 1972, and having an American earn a spot on the podium would mark a historic breakthrough.

“She’ll be a player because of her experience,” said Mike Jay, public address announcer for the Drake Relays and other top U.S. meets. “There may be women that she will beat, that could flat out beat her in a one-on-one race… But I’ve come to learn over the years, you don’t count Jenny Simpson out.”

Whatever the result, Delores and Robert Barringer will be on the edge of their seats.

“We’re nervous,” Robert said. “Because we’re afraid she might fall or something, but usually she wins.”

The 29-year-old Simpson will be making her third trip to the Olympics, having placed ninth in the 2008 steeplechase and failing to reach the 1,500 final in 2012.

Regardless of this year’s result, she’ll still be a beloved granddaughter and a Drake Relays favorite.

“As I’m getting older, I’m getting maybe a little more nostalgic and grateful,” Simpson said, “that I can race at a place where all of my family members can come.”