Olympic Gymnastics Icon Mary Lou Retton Battling Rare Pneumonia in ICU: A Nation Prays

In a heartbreaking revelation, Mary Lou Retton, the renowned Olympic gymnastics champion, has been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) while fighting a very rare form of pneumonia. The shocking news was shared by her daughter, McKenna Kelley, in an Instagram story, disclosing that Retton has been in the ICU for over a week, unable to breathe without assistance.

Retton's daughter, herself a former gymnast at Louisiana State University, made it clear that she respects her mother's privacy and opted not to reveal all the details of her condition. However, she emphasized that her mother is currently uninsured, which has compounded the family's distressing situation. In a heartfelt plea for support, Kelley requested prayers and financial assistance to help cover the escalating hospital bills.

Mary Lou Retton, now 55 years old, remains a celebrated figure in the world of gymnastics and American sports. Her remarkable performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles left an indelible mark on history. Notably, she secured a gold medal in the all-around gymnastics competition, a groundbreaking achievement as the first American to win an individual Olympic gymnastics medal. Her perfect 10 on the vault during the final rotation is etched in the annals of gymnastics as a legendary moment that sparked a surge in the sport's popularity in the United States.

Beyond her dazzling gymnastics career, Mary Lou Retton continued to make her presence felt in the entertainment world, gracing both films and TV shows. Her legacy in gymnastics earned her a place in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2020, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.

Retton also dedicated herself to promoting physical fitness and well-being by serving on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports during the administration of President George W. Bush.

As news of Mary Lou Retton's health battle spreads, an outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes has emerged from fans and admirers around the world. The nation watches closely, collectively hoping for her recovery, as she continues to inspire generations with her enduring spirit and remarkable achievements.

Mary Lou Retton's legacy transcends the gymnastics arena, and her current fight serves as a stark reminder of the challenges life can pose. In the face of adversity, her indomitable spirit shines as a beacon of strength, uniting a nation in hope and support for her recovery.

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