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Mary Lou Retton, an American gymnastics legend, clinched five medals, including a gold in the all-around competition, during the 1984 Olympics.
As of October 10, 2023, Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated U.S. gymnast, is grappling with a severe form of pneumonia in the intensive care unit.
At 55, she is described as “fighting for her life.” In an Instagram story, her daughter, McKenna Lane Kelley, shared this challenging situation and appealed for prayers and donations to cover Retton’s medical expenses.
It’s noted that the Olympic gold medalist lacks insurance and has been in the ICU for over a week, struggling to breathe independently.
Full Name: Mary Lou Retton
Born: January 24, 1968
Birthplace: Fairmont, West Virginia
Spouse: Shannon Kelley (1990-2018)
Children: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to Ronnie and Lois Retton, Mary Lou was the youngest of five siblings.
Her early exposure to gymnastics came from watching Nadia Comaneci’s stellar performance at the 1976 Olympics, igniting her passion for the sport.
Moving to Houston in the early 1980s, she trained under the renowned Romanian coach Béla Károlyi, winning competitions like the 1983 American Cup and the 1984 U.S. Nationals.
Considered a top contender, Retton faced a health crisis six weeks before the 1984 Olympics, undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
Against the odds, she not only secured the gold in the all-around with a perfect vault score but also earned two silver and two bronze medals, making her the first woman outside Eastern Europe to win the Olympic all-around title.
Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” she retired in 1986, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
In 1990, Retton married Shannon Kelley, and they had four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma.
After their divorce in 2018, Retton continued her life in Houston, participating in endeavors like Dancing with the Stars in the same year.
Mary Lou Retton’s net worth, estimated at $2 million as of October 2023, reflects her athletic achievements, endorsements, and public speaking engagements.
Post-retirement, Retton faced health challenges, including hip dysplasia, leading to a total hip replacement in 2005.
By 2016, she underwent 19 surgical procedures, including back surgery for a degenerative bone disorder.
In October 2023, her daughter McKenna disclosed her hospitalization with a rare pneumonia, sparking a crowdfunding initiative to support her medical expenses.
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Mary Lou Retton, an esteemed retired American gymnast, achieved a historic feat by winning the gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Recognized as MLR, Mary Lou Retton holds the distinction of being the first American woman in 52 years to secure a gold medal in gymnastics.
This milestone was achieved in January 2020, making her the inaugural female inductee into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.
Beyond her unparalleled success in gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton’s fame reached new heights, leading to numerous endorsements and roles in television shows and movies.
As of 2023, her net worth stands at an estimated $8 million.
Mary Lou Retton, born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, emerged from a family deeply passionate about sports.
Her father, Ronnie Retton, a former collegiate basketball player, ran a coal-industry transportation equipment business.
Inspired by gymnastics legends such as Olga Korbut and Nadia Comăneci, Mary Lou Retton committed to the sport at an early age, training under the renowned coach Béla Károlyi.
Retton’s gymnastics career was marked by remarkable achievements, including victories in the 1983 American Cup and the 1984 U.S. Nationals.
She underwent knee surgery just weeks before the 1984 Olympics but went on to clinch a historic gold medal, becoming the first American woman to win an all-around title.
In 1985, Mary Lou Retton retired from gymnastics after winning her third American Cup all-around competition.
She transitioned into movies and television, making appearances in projects like “Scrooged,” “Glee,” and “Baywatch.”
Mary Lou Retton’s marriage to Shannon Kelley, a former collegiate football player turned coach, lasted for 28 years before their divorce in 2018.
The couple has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma.
Despite her athletic prowess, Mary Lou Retton faced criticism for her stance against a bill aimed at protecting young children from sexual abuse within the context of the USAG abuse scandal.
The former gymnast’s net worth soared as she became a prominent figure, securing endorsements from major brands and featuring on the front of the Wheaties cereal box.
Active on social media, Mary Lou Retton has an Instagram account with over 66.8 thousand followers.
Her posts often highlight family moments and achievements.
Born with an abnormality called hip dysplasia, Mary Lou Retton underwent hip replacement surgery in 2005 to address the condition.
In 2016, she revealed having undergone 19 surgical procedures, including back surgery for a degenerative bone disorder.
As a vocal supporter of President Ronald Reagan, Mary Lou Retton attended the 2004 Republican National Convention, showcasing her active involvement in politics.
Despite her dedication to gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton prioritized her family.
She enrolled her daughters in gymnastics, with three of them continuing in the sport, while one pursued cheerleading.
The former gymnast’s popularity graph indicates sustained interest and recognition over the past twelve months, showcasing her enduring legacy in the public eye.