Surviving against the odds: Mary Lou Retton's near brush with life support
Olympic gymnastics icon Mary Lou Retton expresses gratitude for her survival, having battled a life-threatening bout of pneumonia last year that rendered her dependent on external assistance for breathing
Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gymnastics legend, considers herself fortunate to be alive after being hospitalized last year with a rare form of pneumonia that resulted in her inability to breathe on her own.
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Legendary gymnast Mary Lou Retton recovering at home after being hospitalized with pneumonia, daughter says
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that can fill the lungs with fluid, with symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. The most at-risk groups are adults older than 65, children younger than five, and those with other medical conditions. Retton's family did not specify the type of rare pneumonia diagnosis.
Currently using a nasal cannula, a device that provides additional oxygen, Retton admitted that she is in a very vulnerable state.
"I am someone who values privacy very much. Typically, my interviews are quite reserved," Retton expressed during a preview for her upcoming NBC interview, "But this is a serious matter, this is life. I am extremely thankful and blessed to be here, especially considering there was a point when I was close to being put on life support."
In 1984, Retton won the Olympic gymnastics all-around competition, capturing the hearts of Americans. Following her victory, she was dubbed "America's Sweetheart" and went on to win five medals during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This success turned into opportunities for her to appear in movies, TV shows, advertisements, and even featured on the front of Wheaties boxes.
She became a member of the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. Last October, Retton expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from around the world as she began her journey of recovery.
"I am forever grateful to you all," she said in an Instagram post.
"Im with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process."
