Mary Lou Retton, the gymnastic pioneer who paved the way for other gymnasts to follow, was America’s 1984 sweetheart. Not just Simone Biles, but the entire world sings victory songs of the Olympian, even now, after all those years. Besides the all-round title in 1984 LA Summer Olympics, she clinched two silver and bronze medals as well. Moreover, she unfurled her flag as the first woman gymnast to have won the all-round gold in Olympic history. Hailing from a business-oriented family, the Fairmont native skipped graduation to pursue gymnastics.?

Getting inspiration from Nadia Comaneci, Retton shifted to Texas to train under Bela and Marta Karolyi, Nadia’s coaches. She won the 1983 Japan’s Chinichi Cup, and 1983 American Classic, despite sitting out of the World Championships. The then wrist injury crushed her 1983 World Championships dreams, but she came back stronger. After her terrific displays, Illustrated Magazine named her the “Sportswoman of the Year.” After her retirement in 1986, she shifted her career to a TV commentator and motivational speaker. Her induction into the US Hall of Fame in 1985 was the first gymnastic achievement in history. After getting elected as the Children’s Miracle Network board member, the gymnast laid her hands out for helping children worldwide.

Mary Lou Retton’s family and health

Recently, a rare pneumonia disease struck her and no one but her own children are attending to her. Due to the absence of a health insurance, her daughters have put up a fundraising site to welcome potential donators. On SpotFund Donation site, McKenna Kelly wrote, ?She is not able to breathe on her own. She?s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”

Watch this story: With Apprehension for Paris Olympics in Air, Simone Biles Takes Her Next Steps After an Unreal Comeback

In 1990, Shannon Kelly, a Houston real estate developer and an ex-University of Texas QB, married Mary Lou Retton. The duo, along with their daughters, moved to West Virginia from Houston, Texas in 2009. However, the couple separated in 2017. Mary once said, “I put my four daughters into a sport that I love. It?s woven into every fabric of my being. We?re a gymnastics family.” Her star daughters graced gymnastics at a very young age, until some chose different paths later in life. Supporting their mom in all her endeavors, the four of them want to give back this time.

Now, the netizens hardly know much about her daughters. So, here’s everything you need to know about Mary Lou Retton’s daughters.

Shayla Kelley

In April 1995, Mary and Shannon welcomed their first daughter, Shayla. The star daughter claims her mom is “the most loving, supportive and thoughtful mom out there.” After their engagement in 2018, Kelley married fellow Baylor University Graduate, Wyatt Schrepfer, in 2020. Walking her mother’s path, the starlet pursued bodybuilding and competes in NPC bikini shows. The proud daughters walked their mother down through the hall when she got inducted at the Houston Hall of Fame. Besides crediting her mom for a beautiful childhood, Shayla adores her younger siblings as well. Moreover, the Baylor University graduate documents her life on her YouTube channel.

McKenna Kelley

The true flag-bearer of Mary Lou Retton, McKenna graced her parent’s life in April 1997. She “fell in love” with the sport instantly. Carrying her mom’s gymnastics genes, McKenna’s occasional throwback videos stand as a testament to her passion. The LSU athlete had once clocked a stunning 10 at the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship’s floor routine. Though she followed her mother?s footsteps, her confession said, ?I don?t think I understood the enormity of what she did and the groundbreaking gymnastics she did at the time. To me, she?s just mom.” She is a coach and teaches in a preschool currently, after earning the four-time All-American for the Tigers.

Skyla Kelley

After 3 years, Skyla lit-up Mary Lou Retton and Shannon’s life in August 2000. The Texas Tech University student didn’t follow in her sisters’ footsteps, but cheered on them wholeheartedly. Before graduating in 2023, she joined hands with a sorority and gave her all to the Greek life. She doesn’t bother herself with her parents’ separation, instead loves both of them unconditionally. She once wrote on her Instagram, “Thank you for all the life lessons you?ve taught me and everything you do for me.”??

Emma Kelley

After Emma’s birth in 2002, Mary knew she would follow her gymnastic path. She is a student of the University of Arkansas and had a good reason to compete in the 2023 season. By dedicating her game to The Reynolds Cancer House & NWA Children’s Hospital, she proved herself as a real mom’s child. She said, “I hope you all join me in this initiative of being the light & change for someone else this year!!” The mother-daughter duo oftentimes gives shout-outs to each other or share sweet messages. The starlet gymnast recently turned 21.

READ MORE: Simone Biles or Nadia Comaneci: Who Is the Richest Gymnast Ahead of World Artistic Gymnastics?Championships?

With the four daughters by her side, the Olympian requires help to get back on her feet again.