Mary Lou Retton gained national attention when she won the Olympic women’s gymnastics individual all-around title. 1984 Summer Olympicsshe suffered a “terrible setback” while battling a “very rare form” of pneumonia.
Retton’s daughter, Sheila Kelly Schlepfer, said in a four-day update that things seemed to be “getting better and better,” but things took a turn for the worse on Tuesday.
“Basically things were going well at the beginning of this week,” Schlepfer said in an Instagram post. “We were very excited to see great progress, and then yesterday we suffered a pretty scary setback.”
(LR) Ekaterina Szabo, Mary Lou Retton, and Simona Pauca at the 1984 Summer Olympics Women’s Gymnastics Medal Ceremony at Pauley Pavilion, August 1, 1984. (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Former Olympic women’s gymnastics gold medalist Mary Lou Retton watches the 2009 Tyson American Cup at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on February 21, 2009. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Mary Lou Retton’s daughter provides positive update on her mother: ‘The road to recovery is well underway’
Schlepfer did not say what specifically caused the setback, but said Wednesday was a “better day” for Retton and he was “really, really exhausted.” .
“She’s still in the ICU and we’re working through some things regarding her setback, so I just wanted to give an update there,” Schlepfer said. “She had a better day today, which is great. She’s really, really exhausted.”
American gymnast Mary Lou Retton waves to fans with her teammates during the gymnastics competition at the XXIII Olympiad 1984 Summer Olympics at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, circa 1984. far right). (Photo courtesy of Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
Last Tuesday, Schlepfer said her mother in ICU for “more than a week” with a “very rare form” of pneumonia. Since then, financial support has been pouring in as Retton “keeps fighting.”
As of Thursday morning, legendary olympic athlete We received over $452,000 in donations. A crowdfunding campaign to help pay for Retton’s medical expenses initially had a goal of $50,000.
Mary Lou Retton receives huge donation as she battles serious illness
The Spot Fund page also states that Retton does not have health insurance.
“Cheer up, Mary Lou!! You are America’s sweetheart and we’re all rooting for you!” one donor wrote on the fundraising page.
According to the Associated Press, Retton is being treated at a hospital in Texas.
Mary Lou Retton (USA) poses for a portrait session at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. (USA Today Sports)
Retton’s victory at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics american woman Won an individual all-around gold medal or an Olympic individual medal in gymnastics.
She appeared in several films and television shows in the 1980s and 1990s and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
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After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Retton became a motivational speaker and frequently shared messages about the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under former Presidents. President George W. Bush.
FOX News’ Chantz Martin contributed to this report.
