“She Is a Icon”: Making Her First Public Appearance Post-ICU, Olympic Legend Marry Lou Retton Overwhelmed With Fan’s Love

Mary Lou Retton, the first-ever American female gymnast to win the All-Around gold in the Olympic Games, is thankfully recovering from her life-threatening ordeal. The international gymnastics icon was diagnosed with a rare pneumonia, and her fans rallied behind her to help the Retton family through the difficult times. With Mary sharing her emotions after the incident, it now looks like she’s got some beans to spill.

In a recent social media post, Mary Lou Retton has been revealed to be gearing up to make her first public appearance after a rollercoaster battle in 2023, and she has one of the best in the business to guide her along the way. While her road ahead might be long and winding, her friends have the wisdom to lead her back into the light.

Olympic icon to come out of her solitary place soon

In her latest Instagram post, famous American TV host Hoda Kotb shared a series of beaming pictures of herself beside the legendary gymnast. “@marylouretton is speaking out for the first time since being released from the ICU“, reads the post and Kotb and Retton look excited for the latter’s interview. The media personality also revealed that Retton will be seen for the first time since her health issue talking to Kotb on the popular Today Show.

While the Olympian is observed still sporting oxygen tubes on her face, her determination to get back on her feet can’t be overlooked either. In the other picture, Retton is nestled cozily between Hoda and one of her proud daughters. While the interview will be happening on Monday, we’re still not sure when the entire thing will be aired.

However, Mary’s road to recovery is still in its nascent stages, it looks like her fans are willing to stay beside her all the way to the top. The Olympian’s absence of health insurance made the fans nervous with its daunting prospects, but as she shows resilience to keep her head above the troubled waters, they once again come with assuring words for the legend.

Fans shower with their support

Kotb’s Instagram post beckoned throngs of Retton’s fans to show their love for the gymnast again. For one such fan, Mary remains a prominent name despite having retired ages ago. “Looking forward to seeing Mary Lou… She is a icon and a role model for many“, writes the fan. Peggy also feels comforted knowing Mary’s journey to recovery is going well. “So glad she’s moving on, recovering from this health crisis!“, said she.

Read more: “That’s Our Girl”: Simone Biles Proud Of LSU Freshman For 9.925 Score In Debut Win Over Ohio State

Megan says, “NO better person to interview her!“, indicating that Kotb is the right person for the sensitive task at hand. For Cindy, Mary Lou deserves all the applause in the world. “Oh my God! Give this woman some grace!“, commented the fan. Lou was released from a Texas hospital on Oct. 23 after her battle with an unusual form of pneumonia. A few days ago, Retton’s eldest daughter Shayla Schrepfer also opened up about the “hardest year” of her life amid her mother’s roller coaster battle. For now, the 55-year-old retired gymnast is taking it one step at a time.

Watch this story: SIMONE BILES’ BEYOND TWISTIES: THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND HER MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY