According to reports, decorated former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is “fighting for her life” in intensive care as she battles a dangerous form of pneumonia.

Retton’s family broke the disturbing news late yesterday night, saying that she “is not able to breathe on her own.”

The gymnast is widely regarded as one of the most famous American athletes to have competed in Olympic gymnastics, having won gold in the individual all-around category in the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Retton’s victory was the first time an American woman had won the all-around gold medal or any individual medal in gymnastics.

Unsurprisingly, Retton gained national popularity as a result of her achievements, appearing in a number of films and television series during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1984, she was named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

Los Angeles, August 1984: Mary Lou Retton of the United States waves to the fans during the women’s gymnastics competition at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, held at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, from July 30 to August 3, 1984. (Image courtesy of David Madison/Getty Images)
Her admirers have been handed a blow, however, as the former star’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, said her mother is in intensive care, suffering a severe type of pneumonia.

McKenna’s Spotfund post begins, “Hey everyone! We need your assistance on behalf of my sisters and me.

“My incredible mother, Mary Lou, is fighting for her life due to a very rare form of pneumonia.” She is incapable of breathing on her own.

“She’s been in the intensive care unit for nearly a week. I will not provide all the specifics out of respect for her and her privacy. I will, however, mention that she is uninsured.

“If you can assist in any way, we ask that you: 1) PRAY! 2) If you could assist us with financial assistance for the hospital expenses,

“ANYTHING, absolutely ANYTHING, would be extremely beneficial to my family and my mother.” Thank you very much!”

At the awards ceremony for the Women’s Gymnastics Combined event at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games, gold medalist Mary Lou Retton and bronze medalist Simona Pauca of Romania listen to the playing of the United States National Anthem. (Image courtesy of Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) )
Retton went on to become a motivational speaker after retiring from gymnastics. She also served on former President George W. Bush’s President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

We’re hoping for a speedy recovery for Mary Lou Retton. Leave a comment or share this story on social media to join us.