Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is home from the hospital and recovering steadily after being in the intensive care unit for nearly two weeks.
McKenna Kelley, one of Retton’s four daughters, shared to her Instagram page on Monday that her mom is now home and in “recovery mode.”
“We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps,” Kelley wrote. “We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone. Grateful doesn’t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts.”
A Rare Form of Pneumonia
On October 10, Retton’s family had shared the shocking news that she was in the ICU with a “rare form of pneumonia.” Retton, 55, had not been able to breathe on her own and was fighting for her life.
According to her family, Retton is not insured. A crowdfunding site was created under McKenna Kelley’s name, asking for prayers and financial support. People are continuing to donate money and share their prayers for Retton’s recovery on the page.
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An Adored Sports Icon
Retton became a true sports hero after she won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United States, labeling her as “America’s Sweetheart.” Her win was historic as she was the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics.
Please join us in support of Mary Lou Retton! We are happy to hear that she is home and pray for a full recovery.
Watch GMA‘s cover story on her recovery below.