Olympic champion Retton improving, says daughter

6 months ago 104

Mary Lou Retton competes on the floor at the 1984 Olympic Games

Mary Lou Retton became the first American woman to win the all-around gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984

Olympic gold medallist Mary Lou Retton's condition is improving although she remains in intensive care with pneumonia, her daughter says.

The 55-year-old's daughter Shayla Schrepfer said Retton had made "remarkable" progress.

"Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing," she wrote on Instagram.

Retton became the first American woman to win the all-around gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

The former gymnast has been in intensive care for several days after being diagnosed with a "very rare form of pneumonia" which left her unable to breath on her own.

Schrepfer wrote on social media: "Prayers have been felt and have been answered.

"Although she remains in the ICU [intensive care unit], her path to recovery is steadily unfolding. Her fighting spirit is truly shining."

A fundraising page set up by the family has raised more than £330,000, after another of Retton's daughters, Mckenna Kelley, previously said her mother does not have health insurance,

Alongside her gold medal, Retton won two silver medals and two bronze medals at the LA Games while still a high school student.

She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.

Shrepfer added: "Though it's a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening. She's responding so well to treatments."

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