Mary Lou Retton’s Health Struggles Post-Olympics
Mary Lou Retton, who captured the hearts of many as a teenager by winning gold in the individual overall competition at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, is facing significant health challenges now at 57.
Her situation has changed dramatically over the years. “When I spoke with her, she couldn’t take a full breath. It’s these little gasping breaths,” said her brother-in-law, Sean Kelly, who remains supportive and close to her.
This is a stark contrast to her glory days, especially when she became the first female athlete to grace the Wheaties box during the year of her Olympic success.
Retton now frequently relies on oxygen tubes as she deals with the effects of long Covid and other health issues, including the aftermath of multiple debilitating hip surgeries. Kelly mentioned that he last spoke to her a few weeks ago.
In May, Retton made headlines again when she was involved in a DUI incident just a couple of miles from a street named after her in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Kelly mentioned that Retton, who also has a residence in Bourne, Texas, continues to fight lung problems but is now wary of alcohol due to the medications she is taking. “A drink could mess with her brain chemistry,” he noted, adding that she’s currently improving.
“She was a fantastic mother, raised four amazing daughters,” Kelly shared, noting that Retton has no known history of alcohol abuse. Her daughters, including McKenna Kelly, rallied to support their mother during tough times.
Last year, Retton recounted nearly losing her life during a month-long hospitalization due to pneumonia, revealing how painful her recovery has been. “My lungs hurt so much,” she said. “It’s been rough. I need to recover for life. My physical health was everything to me, and now… it feels embarrassing to talk about.”
To complicate matters, Retton was without insurance during this difficult period, adding stress to her recovery. In light of this, McKenna created an online fundraiser that nearly reached $500,000, supported by fans and public figures.
McKenna expressed that financial struggles began for their family during the pandemic, which limited Retton’s ability to earn money through speaking engagements.
Interestingly, while dealing with these challenges, it came to light that Retton had traded in an old Porsche for a newer model around the same time.
Retton, who retired from gymnastics shortly after her Olympic triumph, leveraged her fame to engage in various ventures, becoming a commentator for the 1988 Olympics and writing for USA Today. She also appeared in several TV shows and movies, maintaining her public persona even after gymnastics.
However, the attention stemming from her fundraiser has led to scrutiny, with people questioning the distribution of the excess funds raised. The family claimed they donated unspent money to the American Lung Association, but the charity has refrained from commenting on individual contributions.
Furthermore, Retton received nearly $2 million following her divorce from Shannon Kelly, which included profits from real estate. She also reached a settlement with a hip replacement surgery manufacturer in 2019.
Although Retton has started a new business, her corporate LLC is currently inactive. She has founded a company named “Forever Our Legacy,” which hosts annual women’s gymnastics competitions.
The next competition is planned for February 2026 across various states, featuring meet-and-greet opportunities with Retton. In partnership with her daughter, she has also launched a gymnastics equipment line and runs a nonprofit for their foundation.
Retton’s passion endures, as she looks forward to attending her youngest daughter’s wedding next month. “They are my greatest accomplishment,” she said of her daughters. “I cherish my medals, but I’d take my daughters with me anytime.”
