In a candid revelation that sent shockwaves through the sports world, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton recounted the gripping details of her life-threatening battle with a rare form of pneumonia during an exclusive interview on NBC’s Today show. The 55-year-old gymnast, who claimed gold in the 1984 Summer Olympics, shared the terrifying moments when her daughters believed they were saying their final goodbyes.
Visibly affected by the ordeal, Retton, accompanied by the assistance of a portable oxygen tank, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her harrowing journey. In the interview aired on Monday, January 8, 2024, she disclosed that a neighbor played a pivotal role in saving her life.
Having spent a month in the hospital in October due to the illness, Retton acknowledged her limited recollection of the critical events during that period.
More Read
During the emotionally charged interview with Hoda Kotb, Retton emphasized her gratitude for being alive, revealing the chilling possibility of being placed on life support at one point.
Shayla Schrepfer, Retton’s daughter, joined the conversation, shedding light on her mother’s fragmented recollection of the hospitalization.
The distressing episode unfolded when Retton, fatigued and breathless after a simple outing with her daughter, found herself lying on her bedroom floor the following day, struggling to breathe.
Her neighbor, noticing an open car door, intervened promptly, entering the house using Retton’s code and discovering her in a distressed state. Retton credited this intervention for saving her life.
Initially diagnosed with pneumonia at a local emergency room, Retton was allowed to return home, only to be found nearly unresponsive by her daughter the next day.
Rushed to another hospital, Retton’s low blood oxygen levels raised concern, leading to her admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The situation escalated, with doctors contemplating the use of a ventilator.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Retton’s daughters faced the grim possibility of losing their mother. Schrepfer recounted being told to bring her sister to the hospital, uncertain if Retton would survive the night.
Tearfully, Retton disclosed her daughters saying their goodbyes, expressing love and support during those uncertain moments.
The severity of Retton’s illness came to light when her daughters initiated a crowdfunding page to cover her medical expenses, revealing that she lacked medical insurance at the time. Financial constraints prevented her from affording insurance, a situation she has since rectified.
Despite the ongoing recovery, Retton remains optimistic, acknowledging the long road ahead. Grateful for spending Christmas at home and overwhelmed by the support received, she declared herself a fighter, having stared death in the eyes and vowing not to give up.
