Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gymnastics star who won gold medals in vault and floor at the 1984 Summer Olympics, is currently in a critical condition. Her daughter, McKenna Kelly, revealed on Instagram that Retton is “fighting for her life in the ICU” due to a rare pneumonia that has left her unable to breathe independently. Retton has been under medical care for over a week.
Kelly also shared that Retton is uninsured, resulting in significant hospital bills. To alleviate the financial strain, Kelly has set up a fund and is requesting “prayers and financial contributions.”
Although Retton retired from gymnastics in 1986, her impact endures. She was featured on Wheaties boxes, named Sports Illustrated’s Female Athlete of the Year, and appeared on shows like Glee and Baywatch. Retton was also inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
The length of her hospital stay remains uncertain, but her legacy as a gymnastics icon continues.
