A household name, Mary Lou Retton made history as a gymnast for Team USA at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. His incredible vault and floor earned him the A’s gold and gold medals and cemented his place in American sports history. She was later named Sports Illustrated’s Female Athlete of the Year and appeared on Wheaties cans.
Recently, Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelly shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram Story. The gymnastics legend is currently fighting for her life in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Kelly said her mother suffers from a very rare form of pneumonia that leaves her unable to breathe on her own. I have been under the care of dedicated medical staff for over a week.
Out of respect for Retton’s privacy, Kelly declined to share any details. But she said her mother is uninsured, so the hospital bills add up quickly.
To ease the financial burden, Kelly has set up a fund and is making a humble appeal to anyone who can help raise money for the hospital bills. He asked for two simple actions: prayers and financial contributions to the account.
Retton retired from gymnastics in 1986, but continued to appear in the public eye. She has graced our screens with guest roles on hit shows like Glee, Baywatch and even competed on season 27 of Dancing with the Stars.
It is not yet known how long Retton will remain in the hospital. The famous athlete who made the four girls proud was also officially inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.