Mary Lou Retton vaulted into America’s heart by winning five Olympic medals before a cheerful home crowd in 1984. She turns 56 in a matter of days, but until very recently, she did not expect to see another birthday. In October 2023, her daughter McKenna Kelley wrote a concerning message informing the fans that “She is not able to breathe on her own”. Mary Lou Retton suffered from a “very rare form of pneumonia” that threatened her life and put her in the ICU for a month.

Without an insurer, Mary Lou Retton’s daughters had to start a fundraiser to pay for her treatments. Now, recuperating in the comfort of her home, the legendary gymnast, who identifies herself as a “very private” person, has chosen to speak about her near-death experience.

Mary Lou Retton opens up about her harrowing experience

Mary Lou Retton is still in a vulnerable state and needs to carry a portable oxygen cylinder around her Texas home. Speaking to Hoda Kotb from TODAY, she revealed feeling scared “when they were about to put me on life support”. Her daughters were prepared for the worst, but the resilient Olympian in her pulled her out from the clutches of death. Mary Lou Retton felt uncomfortable speaking about her struggles, which is expected from someone who was a figure of vigor and strength.

Her claim to fame moment was at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, where she performed her best vault routine and perfected the “Retton Flip”. But the applause from the stands became deafening when Mary Lou edged the other gymnasts competing for the all-around title by 0.5 points.

She became the first American woman to claim the title, which catapulted her to success. Thereafter, Mary Lou Retton scored million-dollar deals with McDonald’s, General Mills, Cluett, Peabody, Renown, and Vidal Sassoon. Averse to the “comfort zone,” she forged a new career path post-retirement from gymnastics.

Mary Lou Retton’s new chapter in life

In 1991, Mary Lou chose the career of a motivational speaker and toured around the country to inspire the youth. In 2020, Houston acknowledged her contributions to gymnastics and inducted her as the first female athlete in their Hall of Fame. Her pioneering work still holds a fond place in everyone’s memory.

Read More: Months After Mary Lou Retton Battling in the ICU, Daughter Reveals Real Reason for Not Getting Health Insurance

Her legacy lives on in the other champions upholding America’s gymnastics interests on the world stage. Calling Simone Biles “the greatest gymnast ever,” Mary has vested immense hope for America’s continued success at another Olympics.

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