Your tip
RadarOnlineRadarOnline
or
Sign in with lockrMail
BREAKING NEWS

Gymnast Mary Lou Retton 'Fighting For Her Life' in ICU With Rare Form of Pneumonia, Unable to Breathe on Her Own

marylouretton
Source: @marylouretton/Instagram

U.S. gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton is "fighting for her life."

Oct. 10 2023, Published 3:16 p.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

Former Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton has been privately facing a serious health battle that has left her unable to breathe on her own.

RadarOnline.com has learned that her gymnast daughter, McKenna Kelley, shared the update along with a link to a fundraiser while revealing that Retton is sadly "fighting for her life" in the ICE for over a week with a rare form of pneumonia.

Article continues below advertisement
marylouretton
Source: @marylouretton/Instagram

The former Olympian has a very rare form of pneumonia.

Article continues below advertisement

"Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y'all's help," the description reads. "Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured."

"We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y'all so very much!"

As of Tuesday, $4070 has been raised out of a $50k goal. More than 48 donors have contributed and the link has been shared 22 times.

Article continues below advertisement
marylouretton
Source: @marylouretton/Instagram

As of Tuesday, $4070 has been raised out of a $50k goal.

Article continues below advertisement

Many of the comments include well-wishes for the family, expressing their hopes that Retton makes a full and speedy recovery.

Retton, who hails from West Virginia, is an American sporting icon. She famously earned five medals at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which is no small feat.

She was also notably the first U.S. woman to take home the all-around gold medal in an Olympic Games.

MORE ON:
Celebs

DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.

Article continues below advertisement
marylouretton
Source: @marylouretton/Instagram

Retton is an American sporting icon.

Article continues below advertisement

Among her accomplishments was being inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

Retton also has a youth park named in her honor located in Fairmont off of Mary Lou Retton Drive and Old Monongah Road.

The star athlete and motivational speaker, more recently, teamed up with Foxy's to unveil a collection she put together with her daughter Emma for their "first-ever exclusive line of leotards for gymnastics and more."

Article continues below advertisement
marylouretton
Source: @marylouretton/Instagram

Many fans have expressed their well-wishes that she has a speedy road to recovery.

Article continues below advertisement

Retton previously spoke about her determination to achieve her dreams during an interview discussing the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

Visit the all-new RADAR SPORTS for all the on and off-field activities of the biggest names in the games.

"I'm a coal miner's daughter from a small town in West Virginia who was told my whole life that my Olympic dream was 'crazy thinking.' I tell young people not let other people put limits on you; if you have a deep desire and passion for something and you BELIEVE in yourself, you can achieve it," she proudly said. "You just be willing to make the sacrifices to make it happen."

More From Radar Online

    Opt-out of personalized ads

    © Copyright 2024 RADAR ONLINE™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. RADAR ONLINE is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.