Mary Lou Retton breaks silence over scary pneumonia battle

Decorated Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton has communicated publicly for the first time since she was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia. Retton, 55, was released from the hospital last week after about two weeks of battling the illness.

Decorated Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton has communicated publicly for the first time since she was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia.

Retton, 55, was released from the hospital last week after about two weeks of battling the illness.

Monday, Retton posted on Instagram that she is “continuing to slowly recover” and expressed gratitude to her supporters for their energy.

“I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement,” she wrote.

Mary Lou Retton performs at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Getty Images

“I am overwhelmed with the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all! I’m with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process.”

She asked for privacy and said she would open up further about her health struggles at a later date.

“I appreciate everyone’s respect of my privacy at this time,” she continued.

“When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health issues and hope I can help others who may face the same battle as me. I love you all.”

Mary Lou Retton won gold in individual all-around in the 1984 Olympics. Disney General Entertainment Con
Mary Lou Retton wrote that she is slowly recovering from a rare form of pneumonia. Tim Warner

Retton won the gold medal in the individual all-around competition in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and a total of five medals at that year’s games.

After her success in the Olympics, Retton had a number of appearances across pop culture, including a role in the 1994 movie, “Naked Gun 33 ¹/₃: The Final Insult,” plus a spot in an episode of “Baywatch.”

Earlier this month, her daughter, McKenna revealed that Retton was “fighting for her life” with an unspecified, rare form of pneumonia.

The family set up a Spotfund for Retton, explaining that she was in the ICU and not insured, which raised nearly $460,000.

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