Unbelievable Comeback: Olympic Legend Mary Lou Retton Surprises Everyone With Her Astonishing Progress, Revealed by Daughter

Mary Lou Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, shared on Instagram on Saturday that her mother is showing remarkable progress after battling a very uncommon type of pneumonia. The retired Olympic gold medalist gymnast was in a critical condition, but thanks to the prayers and well wishes, she is now on the path to recovery.

Retton is still in the intensive care unit of the hospital, according to Kelley. However, the 55-year-old's recovery is consistently improving.

"The post also mentioned that her determination and strength are evident! Her breathing is getting stronger, and she is relying less on medical devices."

Earlier this week, Kelley disclosed that Retton was battling a highly uncommon type of pneumonia, which posed a threat to her life.

"Although it has been a long and challenging road, it is truly uplifting to witness these remarkable improvements! Her response to treatments has been exceptional," stated the Instagram post on Saturday.

Retton shot to fame in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she clinched a remarkable five medals, surpassing every other athlete at the event. Cementing her legacy as an enduring icon, Retton achieved perfection with flawless scores on both the vault and floor routine, making her the first American woman to secure an Olympic gold in the individual all-around competition.

She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.