Mary Lou Retton illness, health update: Former Olympic gymnast in ICU. Know about medals she won, her disease

Mary Lou Retton, who won the women’s gymnastics individual all-around gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, has been in the ICU of a hospital for a week. She has been diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. Her daughter McKenna Kelley has said this in a story put on Instagram.

Mary Lou Retton wins Olympic medals

Retton became the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title in Los Angeles. She won a silver medal on the vault, and a bronze in the uneven bars and floor exercise. She was a member of the US women's gymnastics team that won a silver medal.

Sportswoman of the Year

Sports Illustrated Magazine bestowed the title of 'Sportswoman of the Year' on her. She also got many endorsement deals throughout the 1990s.

Mary Lou Retton appears in TV shows

The gymnastic sensation later appeared on many TV shows and movies like 'Scrooged' and 'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult'. She competed in season 27 of "Dancing With the Stars."

Daughter appeals for help

Her daughter Kelley, who also competed as an NCAA gymnast in college, said that she would not disclose all details to respect her privacy, but would say that Mary Lou Retton is not insured.

Her daughter made a page on 'Spotfund' and wrote, "My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured."

She wrote, "ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!"

According to HuffPost, Retton's family received more than $50,000 by Tuesday evening.

FAQs:

Q1. Who is Mary Lou Retton?
A1. Mary Lou Retton was the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title in Los Angeles. She won a silver medal on the vault, a bronze in the uneven bars and floor exercise. She was a member of the US women's gymnastics team that won a silver medal.

Q2. Why is Mary Lou Retton in the news now?
A2. Mary Lou Retton has been diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. Her daughter McKenna Kelley has said this and appealed for help in a story put on Instagram.