Personal triumphs peppered with pitfalls are a part and parcel of every athlete’s life. Mary Retton overcame the most debilitating ailment with her sunny optimism. The former gymnast phenom was afflicted with pneumonia but is slowly taking the reins of rejuvenation and recovery, aided by her wonderful daughters. As Lou Retton gets better, a great feat was achieved by one of her daughters on the professional front.

This Thanksgiving, Mary Lou shared an update on her health with her supporters saying she’s “slowly improving.” Things seem to be getting normal for the family since her daughter is seen continuing her mother’s legacy of athleticism and resiliency in a recent update.

Gymnastics icon upholds legacy

Mary Lou’s daughter, and Arkansas Razorbacks gymnastics team member Emma Jean Kelly shared an Instagram post announcing her collegiate unveiling event. She shared the behind-the-scenes from her photoshoot wearing bedazzled brick red leotard and captioned it, “Gymback Preview December 17th!! Barnhiil at 2pm!”

The annual Gymback Preview will give fans a sneak peek at the team’s skill. The 2024 team has a strong group of returning players, which should make for an exciting season. The Arkansas Razorback’s official website also welcomes the community to attend the free event at Barnhill Arena. Additionally, the Women’s College Gymnastics Association preseason poll has placed the team in the top 15 for the fourth straight season under the direction of head coach Jordyn Wieber.

Interestingly, US national team member and Worlds champion Joscelyn Roberson is also expected to join the Gymbacks in 2025, the same roster as Mary Lou’s daughter, maybe? Roberson is about to make history on The Hill as the first-ever elite member to play for the Razorbacks. Her already outstanding resume is further enhanced by Cecile and Laurent Landi’s tutelage at Simone Biles’s World Champions Centre. While the Razorbacks’ assemble, did you know what happened to Mary Lou?

Mary Lou Retton’s fight for life

The iconic American gymnast was battling a serious health issue a few weeks back. It was disclosed on social media a week later by her daughter McKenna Lane Kelley that Retton is in critical care at the hospital, suffering from a “very rare form of pneumonia” and not being able to breathe on her own. Meaww reported that McKenna launched a successful fundraising campaign on Spotfund in response to her mother’s critical condition.

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The campaign raised an impressive $140,685, surpassing the $50,000 target. Notably, the trailblazer won five medals in gymnastics in 1984 and became the first woman to win the gold medal in the all-around competition. Now, in the midst of her recovery, Mary Lou’s daughter launches her own career, creating a touching circle of life.

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