Mary Lou Retton’s Health Journey: A Courageous Battle for Life.

A household name, Mary Lou Retton made history as a gymnast for Team USA at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her incredible vault and floor routines earned her gold medals and cemented her place in American sports history. She was later named Sports Illustrated’s Female Athlete of the Year and appeared on Wheaties boxes.

Recently, Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelly, shared heartbreaking news on Instagram. The gymnastics legend is currently fighting for her life in the ICU due to a “very rare form of pneumonia” that leaves her unable to breathe on her own. Kelly mentioned that Retton has been under the care of dedicated medical staff for over a week.

Out of respect for Retton’s privacy, Kelly declined to share more details but revealed that her mother is uninsured, and hospital bills are mounting. To ease the financial burden, Kelly set up a fund and humbly appealed for “prayers and financial contributions.”

Retton retired from gymnastics in 1986 but continued to appear in public, with guest roles on shows like Glee, Baywatch, and Dancing with the Stars. Inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, her impact on the sport endures.

Related Posts

A Familiar Face from Television’s Golden Age: Remembering John Eimen

For generations who grew up with classic television, certain performers feel like old friends—quietly present, reassuring, and timeless. John Eimen was one of those familiar faces. Though rarely positioned…

Born Big: The Extraordinary Life of New Jersey’s Record-Breaking Baby

In 1983, a newborn named Kevin Robert Clark entered the world already rewriting records. Delivered by Patricia Clarke at Community Memorial Hospital, Kevin weighed more than 16…

Why Slugs Matter More Than You Think

For many people, spotting a slug triggers an immediate reaction of unease. Their slow crawl, slick appearance, and habit of emerging in damp gardens make them easy…

Beloved The Wire Actor James Ransone Dies at 46

The married father of two—best known for his work on The Wire—has died after years of mental health struggles, according to reports. James Ransone, who portrayed Ziggy…

Actress Helen Siff dies aged 88 after battle with “painful illness”

Helen Siff was 88. Credit / Getty Images Actress Helen Siff, known for roles in films including The Karate Kid (1984), Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008) and Hail, Caesar! (2016) has died…

Erika Kirk’s slip of tongue causes major debate

Getty Images Erika Kirk has been very vocal since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was killed earlier this year. She has since taken on the role of CEO and…