Mary Lou Retton is fondly known as ?America?s Sweetheart,? and for good reason. Retton made history in 1984 by becoming the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal for gymnastics at the Olympics. Lou Retton’s perfect 10s on floor exercise and vault earned her one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. These accomplishments made her the most decorated athlete at the 1984 Games, and she was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportswoman of the Year”.? However, in recent somber news, Retton’s daughter, Mckenna Kelley, revealed that her mother is fighting a severe and rare form of pneumonia in the ICU. This battle for her life took an emotional turn when the family reached out to fans and the community for help, citing a lack of health insurance.

Mckenna’s plea touched the hearts of many within the sports and gymnastics community. A Spotfund page was created for Mary Lou Retton, and the response was nothing short of remarkable. More than 6,000 people generously donated over $350,000. Her daughter Mckenna Lane Kelley said, ?My sisters Skyla, Shayla, and Emma, and I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for our mom”. She said their mom was still fighting and she thanked the medical staff and said “We ask for continued prayers and positive thoughts for our mom.” As Mary Lou Retton’s fans and the sports world continue to offer their prayers, it’s essential to remember her remarkable journey from her roots to becoming “America’s Sweetheart.”

Mary Lou Retton’s connection to the New York Yankees

According to Times West Virginia, Mary Lou was born on January 24, 1968, to Ronnie and Lois Retton in Fairmont, West Virginia. Ronnie Retton, her father, had a sporting background, having been an athlete at old Fairview High School. He continued to excel in both basketball and baseball at West Virginia University before starting a minor-league professional baseball career. His basketball skills were particularly impressive, and he played a pivotal role as co-captain of the 1959 team that reached the national championship game. Ronnie’s defining moment came when his steal and driving layup secured a 95-92 win over St. Joseph’s in the 1959 NCAA Tournament.

On the baseball diamond, Ronnie earned first-team All-Southern Conference honors in 1957 and 1959 as a shortstop. His love for baseball eventually led him to the New York Yankees, where he signed a free agent contract and played in their minor league for six years, reaching Double-A level before retiring in 1964 to devote more time to his family. Ronnie Retton’s wife, Lois, recognized Mary Lou’s potential at a young age and enrolled her in dance classes when she was just four years old. Mary Lou’s journey into gymnastics truly took flight at the age of eight when she watched Nadia Com?neci outshine Olga Korbut at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

How her journey brought her to the hall of fame

Inspired and determined, she began her gymnastic endeavors in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, under the guidance of Gary Rafaloski. Mary Lou’s journey into gymnastics truly took flight at the age of eight when she watched Nadia Com?neci outshine Olga Korbut at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Inspired and determined, she began her gymnastic endeavors in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, under the guidance of Gary Rafaloski. Mary Lou rapidly progressed and won national titles at the age of 15 in 1983. But the pinnacle of her career came at age 16 during the 1984 Olympic Games, which made her the icon she is today.

A year later, she made history once again, becoming the youngest inductee into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. In 2008, she achieved yet another milestone by entering the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. During her induction speech, she proudly exclaimed ?I was so proud to be an American at the Games?. She also expressed her great pride in being a ?West Virginian.? She also said, ?I remember standing on top of the awards program, and there were two Romanian girls on either side of me. When our national anthem was played, it was awesome. It was a feeling that remains with you forever.?

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Mary Lou Retton continues to be an iconic figure. Her fellow contemporaries, including five-time gold medalist Nadia Com?neci, have offered words of support and kindness. As Mary Lou Retton continues her battle, the gymnastics community stands united in support of this extraordinary legend.

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