US gymnastics icon Mary Lou Retton has recently revealed her gratitude for being alive after facing a harrowing battle with a rare form of pneumonia. The 55-year-old Olympic gold medalist shared her experience in an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show, marking her first public discussion about the ordeal.
Retton’s health crisis unfolded in October 2023 when she was admitted to an intensive care unit in a Texas hospital. Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, had expressed grave concerns at the time, describing Retton as “fighting for her life” and unable to breathe without assistance.
In her candid interview with Kotb, Retton acknowledged that she is typically a very private person but felt compelled to share her story due to the seriousness of her recent health battle. She was seated next to her daughter, Shayla Schrepfer, at their Texas home during the interview.
“I’m very private, and to come out and talk about it — usually my interviews are ‘Oh yes, it felt great to win the Olympics!’ This is serious and this is life,” said Retton, reflecting on her decision to discuss her health struggles publicly.
She went on to express her immense gratitude for her survival, emphasizing, “I am so grateful to be here. I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support.”
The emotional interview is set to air on Monday, with a preview clip having already been shared on the ‘Sunday Today’ show. Retton had previously expressed her gratitude to her fans on Thanksgiving in a social media post, noting the positive progress in her recovery and the overwhelming support she received.
“As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, my heart is overflowing with profound gratitude,” she wrote. “I want to express how truly blessed and thankful I am to be slowly improving and to be home with my girls, especially after my time in the hospital.”
Retton acknowledged the significant role her fans played in her recovery, stating, “Your love has been a beacon of hope in my life. On this day of giving thanks, I am reminded of the preciousness of life, the love that surrounds me, and the resilience of the human spirit.”
During her health crisis, Retton’s family established a Spotfund page to help cover her medical expenses as she did not have medical insurance. The page received generous support from fans and well-wishers.
Retton’s remarkable gymnastics career includes winning five medals (one gold, two silver, two bronze) at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She made history by becoming the first American woman to secure gold in the individual all-around competition. Following her retirement from gymnastics, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
Moreover, Retton has received numerous honors in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, where a road and park have been named in her honor. She has also made appearances in movies and TV shows, including a cameo on ‘Baywatch.’ Additionally, Retton served on the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports during former President George W. Bush’s administration.
Mary Lou Retton’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of support and love from fans and family during challenging times.