Olympic Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton Suffers ‘Scary Setback’ As She ‘Fights For Her Life’ In The ICU

Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton has suffered a major setback amid her current battle with pneumonia.

In a post to Instagram, her daughter, Shayla Schrepfer, shared an update on her mother’s condition, saying that she had experienced a “scary setback” but is still fighting for her life.

“Mom’s progress is truly remarkable! Prayers have been felt and have been answered,” she said. “Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily unfolding. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!”

Retton’s condition was revealed on October 10, when her daughter Keller shared that her mother had been in the ICU for over a week. 

“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.” 

She shared a link for Retton’s hospitalization on Spotfund, which has raised more than $450,000.

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee have also donated to Retton’s family fund.

Retton is best known for winning the individual all-around gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

She went on to appear in several movies and serve on the President’s Council On Physical Fitness during former President George W. Bush‘s administration.