American Gymnastics hero Mary Lou Retton is “fighting for her life” in a Texas intensive care unit after being diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia.
Retton made her way into the history books as she became the first American woman to earn an all-around gold medal and any Olympic medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympic Games.
A role model for many aspiring gymnasts, the American history-maker held her accomplishment of being the only American woman to win the all-around title for 20 years. This was eventually achieved for a second time in 2004 by American gymnast Carly Patterson.
According to a post on the social media platform Instagram, Retton’s daughter McKenna Lane Kelly has broken the news that after being diagnosed with a “very rare form” of pneumonia, her mother is currently in an intensive care unit.
The post included little specifics on her mother’s condition; however, it was stated that the Olympic great “is not able to breathe on her own” and is “fighting for her life.”
“Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details.”
After retiring from gymnastics, Retton became a motivational speaker as she shared frequent messages about exercise and nutrition.
She also remained active in the media, appearing in a number of films and TV shows.
This was followed by being inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and then becoming the first woman to be selected into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
