Olympic Icon Mary Lou Retton's Life Hangs in the Balance: A Desperate Battle with Pneumonia

Mary Lou Retton Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is currently hospitalized and battling pneumonia.

Confirming the news, Retton's daughter, McKenna Lane Kelley, posted on social media on October 10. She shared that her mother's hospitalization was due to complications from the illness. Kelley, who was also a gymnast at Louisiana State University, included a link to a SpotFund in her Instagram Story. The fundraiser has already exceeded its $50,000 goal.

On the page, she wrote about her incredible mother, Mary Lou, who is currently battling a rare and life-threatening form of pneumonia. Mary Lou is unable to breathe independently and has been receiving intensive care in the ICU for more than a week. Out of respect for her and her privacy, specific details will not be disclosed, except for the fact that she is uninsured.

Continuing, the writer earnestly asks for assistance in two ways. First and foremost, prayers are requested for Mary Lou's recovery. Additionally, any financial assistance to alleviate the mounting hospital bills would be greatly appreciated by the writer's family and, most importantly, by their mother. The writer expresses immense gratitude for any form of support extended.

No additional details have been provided regarding Retton's condition or the hospital where she is currently located. During the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, Retton secured a gold medal in the all-around event. She trailed Romania's Ecaterina Szabo by only five-hundredths of a point before the last phase of the competition, and ultimately surpassed her by achieving a perfect score of 10.

Mary Lou Retton on October 27, 2000 in Houston, TX. Pam Francis/Getty Images

Retton became the inaugural American female gold medalist in that competition, relinquishing the honor only when Patterson duplicated the feat in 2004. Additionally, she secured two silver medals for the team and vault, as well as two bronze medals for uneven bars and floor exercises. Her accomplishments further propelled her to attain the distinction of being named Sports Illustrated's "Sportswoman of the Year" in 1984 and gracing the cover of the Wheaties box.

In the following year, she achieved her third consecutive victory in the all-around competition during the American Cup. Subsequently, she decided to retire in 1986 and was honored with induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.

Beyond the realm of gymnastics, Retton ventured into the realm of competitive dancing on season 27 of Dancing with the Stars, where she was partnered with Sasha Farber. Unfortunately, they were eliminated from the competition during the show's sixth week. In addition, she made notable appearances in various films and television shows, including Glee, Scrooged, Baywatch, and Knot's Landing.

She shares four daughters with ex-husband Shannon Kelley: Shayla, Skyla, Emma and McKenna.