Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton hospitalized with pneumonia.

Olympic Gymnastics⁤ Champion Mary Lou Retton Hospitalized with Pneumonia

In a shocking turn of events, Olympic gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton is currently battling pneumonia and is in intensive ‍care⁤ at a Texas hospital. The 55-year-old Retton, who made history as the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title, is now fighting ‍for her life and unable to breathe on her own.

“She’s ‌fighting for her⁣ life right now,” revealed Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, in an ‍emotional Instagram post. Kelley ‌also shared that her mother does not have medical insurance, prompting her to start a fundraising campaign to cover the mounting medical expenses.

Back in 1984, when she⁢ was just 16 years old, Mary Lou Retton became an iconic figure in the U.S. Olympic movement with her gold medal-winning performance at the⁢ Summer ⁤Games in Los Angeles. Hailing from Fairmont, West Virginia, Retton’s triumph not only secured her the all-around title but also helped bring gymnastics into the mainstream in the United States, a sport that had long been ⁣dominated by eastern European powers like Romania and the Soviet Union.

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Currently residing in Texas and a mother of four, Mary Lou Retton’s health battle has left the nation ⁤in shock and concern. Let ‌us all hope and pray for her speedy recovery.

What⁤ made Retton an iconic figure⁤ in the sport ⁢of gymnastics?

Emotional Instagram post. “My mom has always been a⁣ fighter, and I know she will⁢ get through this. But ⁤right ⁢now, she ‍needs all the love and support she can get.”

Retton’s hospitalization comes as a shock to the gymnastics community and fans around the world. Known for her incredible ⁢strength and determination, Retton became an icon in the sport after ‍her historic ⁤Olympic victory in 1984.

Retton’s gold medal-winning performance in the individual all-around event ⁤captivated audiences as she showcased ​her exceptional technique, ⁤athleticism, and flexibility. Her flawless routines on the ‌balance beam and vault solidified her place⁣ in gymnastics history.

After her Olympic triumph, Retton continued to be a prominent ​figure in the gymnastics ‍world. She retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986 and went on to ‍tour with ‌the famous “Magnificent Seven” – a group of gymnasts that included fellow Olympic champions like Shannon Miller.

Retton also worked as a gymnastics analyst for ESPN and NBC during​ major gymnastics events, including the Olympic Games. Her expertise​ and passion for the sport ‌made her a beloved​ commentator among gymnastics enthusiasts.

Throughout her career, Retton had‌ faced various challenges, including multiple surgeries due ⁤to injuries sustained ‍during her gymnastics career. Despite these setbacks, she consistently exhibited resilience ‍and determination, inspiring ⁤athletes around the world.

It is ‍this same determination that Retton will need as she battles ‍pneumonia. Pneumonia is ⁣a serious illness that can be life-threatening, especially⁢ for individuals with weakened immune systems. The​ gymnastics community and​ fans⁢ worldwide are rallying behind Retton,⁢ sending messages of love, support, and prayers.

Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, thanked everyone for their outpouring of love ⁣and support ‌in another Instagram post,‍ stating,⁢ “Your prayers mean the world to my mom and our family. We‌ are not‌ giving up hope, ⁢and we know she will come out of⁣ this stronger‌ than ever.”

The‍ news of Retton’s hospitalization serves as‌ a somber ⁤reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our heroes while we have them.‍ Retton’s remarkable contributions to the world of gymnastics will ⁣forever ⁢be ‍etched in history, and her‌ fight against ‌pneumonia is ​another testament to her unwavering ​strength and tenacity.

As the gymnastics community eagerly awaits updates ⁤on Retton’s condition, they continue to send their thoughts and prayers, hoping for a full recovery for ​the Olympic champion. Retton’s battle with pneumonia serves as ‍a powerful reminder that even the ⁣strongest can fall ill and that a united community can provide the necessary⁢ support ⁣during challenging times.

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