At the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, the US gymnastic women smiled ear to ear with their team win while the world accoladed. The team score of 167.729 left the reigning Brazilian gymnastics team behind. Moreover, the leading woman, Simone Biles, scored a remarkable 58.399 to clinch the all-around World Title. Besides the phenomenal displays by the convincing roster, the netizens highly missed Suni Lee. The 20-year-old sat out of the competition due to a persisting kidney issue. Along similar lines, the world prays for another gymnast’s recovery alongside.

Mary Lou Retton, the first gymnastic woman to have won the Olympic gold in history, has a life scare. In 1984, Mary proved her worth by earning the all-round win, two bronze and two silver medals. The 55-year-old gymnast, inspired by Nadia Comaneci, went on to inspire millions with her motivational speech. But now, the world can’t say the same.

Mary Lou’s health scare

To seek more help for Mary’s quick recovery, USA Gymnastics had taken to their Instagram to share her health update. Recently, the doctors diagnosed her with a rare form of pneumonia. Sadly, the gymnastic legend’s “not able to breathe” without support left fans concerned. The story caption reads, “Mary Lou Retton’s family report that she is gravely ill with pneumonia. Below we are sharing more information about her health and family’s fund-raising efforts, as we are hoping for a full recovery.” Additionally, the story features a link, supposed to direct the donators to the fund-raising page.

Her daughter voiced that Mary doesn’t have a health insurance, so the only option would be to seek monetary help from well-wishers. She added, “We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill.” To draw worldwide attention, USA Gym posted the link in support of the noble cause. Before retiring from her holy ground in 1986, Mary took home the American Cup all-round thrice.

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Besides her incredible gymnastic journey, the 55-year-old has many other achievements to cherish.

Gymnastics legend saved lives

The gymnastic legend retired from her sport to join as a television commentator and a motivational speaker. Moreover, her inspirational journey is not only an example of resilience but also an undefeatable spirit. Getting inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997, Mary played a pivotal role as a nutritionist as well. Besides, her heart always wept for the children and the community. She got elected as the Children’s Miracle Network national chairperson and a powerful board member. To garner more support for the ailing children, her charitable efforts held a lot of importance. Providing medical facilities to children, Mary stood beside the vulnerable with all her heart. Later, the Olympian also spread the positive sides of physical fitness among the younger generation. As a constant ray of hope, the messiah sailed the life boats of many.

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Now, the Olympian’s family needs the world beside them to help her sail through. With the US team’s victory, Mary also needs some good luck to emerge victorious in the game of life. Interested people can lay out their helping hands by clicking on the given link.