Former US Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, known for her groundbreaking achievements in gymnastics, recently faced a health scare. But there’s good news now as her daughter shares an update on her progress.

A Scary Time in the ICU

Mary Lou Retton, now 55 years old, was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia. Her condition became severe, and she had to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Her daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, expressed her concern for her mother’s health during this challenging time.

The First American Woman to Win Gold

Mary Lou Retton is an iconic figure in American gymnastics. In the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, she made history by becoming the first American woman to win the gold medal in the individual all-around gymnastics competition. She was also the first American woman to win any individual gymnastics medal.

A Star Beyond the Olympics

Following her Olympics success, Mary Lou Retton gained widespread fame in the United States. She ventured into movies and TV shows during the 1980s and ’90s. Her achievements and impact on the world of sports earned her the title of “Sportsperson of the Year” from Sports Illustrated in 1984.

Mary Lou’s Health Journey

Shayla Kelley Schrepfer recently provided an update on her mother’s health through a heartfelt video message. Despite the ongoing battle, she shared that Mary Lou Retton’s condition is gradually improving. She added that her mother is under the care of exceptional doctors, and their support has been invaluable.

In an Instagram post, Shayla expressed her gratitude for the prayers and positive thoughts sent their way. Though Mary Lou Retton is still in the ICU, there is hope as her breathing has improved, and she relies less on machines with each passing day. Her indomitable spirit shines through her recovery.

Support from Admirers

Fans of Mary Lou Retton, often referred to as “America’s Sweetheart” for her remarkable performance in the 1984 Olympics, have rallied behind her. A fundraising page was started by her family to assist with medical expenses, and the response has been overwhelming. Donations totaling an incredible $400,000 were received over the weekend, demonstrating the immense support and adoration for this esteemed athlete.

A Promising Journey to Recovery

Shayla, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter, shared that her mother’s recovery may take time but remains optimistic about her progress. She mentioned that Mary Lou is responding well to her treatments. As we continue to root for Mary Lou Retton, we hope for a complete and speedy recovery.