Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gold medalist suffering from pneumonia who was “fighting for her life” days ago, was reported Saturday to be improving and responding to medical treatment.
Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelley said on Instagram that her mother’s progress has been “truly remarkable” and that “although she remains in ICU, her path to recovery is steadily progressing. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!”
Retton, 55, was admitted to the hospital over a week ago and was reportedly unable to breathe on her own, suffering from “very rare form of pneumonia,” according to a crowdfunding site created by Kelley, who also shared that her mother does not have health insurance.
Retton’s “breathing is becoming stronger,” and her reliance on machines is “diminishing,” her daughter said.
Kelley added that the family is grateful for the “overwhelming love and support,” which they have received.
On Friday, it was reported that the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) was taking action to help Retton finance her medical costs.
“We are currently working through the necessary details in real-time and have reached out to Mary Lou’s family to offer our assistance,” USOPC spokesperson Kate Hartman told USA Today.
The committee has a relief fund that aids “U.S. Olympians and Paralympians facing significant hardships due to illness, death or extenuating circumstances,” Hartman said.
Retton was the first American woman to win gold in Olympic gymnastics, when she recorded a perfect 10 during the all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Games. The four additional medals she received during the games made her the most decorated Olympian that summer.
She later was the first female athlete to appear on the cover of Wheaties’ iconic cereal box. More recently, she served as a board member for USA Gymnastics.
Evan Rosen
Source link