Olympic gold champion Mary Lou Retton is still receiving treatment for acute pneumonia in the intensive care unit, but her daughter said on Saturday that her development is “truly remarkable.”
In a post to her Instagram account, McKenna Kelley said, “We’re thrilled to share some encouraging news.” “Prayers have been felt, and they are working. She is still in the ICU, but her recovery is making steady progress. Her tenacity is really shining through!”
According to a crowd-funding page Kelley launched to generate money for hospital expenses, the renowned gymnast was dangerously ill with a “very rare type of pneumonia,” according to Kelley. Kelley claimed that her mother lacked health insurance.
It is unknown where Retton, a Houston resident, is receiving medical care.
Retton, 55, has spent more than a week in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Previously, Kelley claimed that her mother was unable to breathe on her own.
However, Kelley said on Saturday that the five-time Olympic medalist is less dependent on equipment and her respiration “is becoming stronger.”
Even though it’s been a long road, seeing these advancements is quite encouraging. Again, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your tremendous love and support. She is starting to respond to the treatments,” Kelley stated.
Retton earned a perfect 10 in the all-around category at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, making her the first American woman to win a gold medal in gymnastics. She continued on to win four more medals, bringing her total that summer to five, more than any other competitor.
After retirement, Retton served on the USA Gymnastics board and received criticism for standing up for the organization during the Larry Nassar sexual assault investigation. In 2017, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Retton had a private conversation to examine USA Gymnastics’ rules for safeguarding athletes against sexual abuse. USA Gymnastics declined to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee.