Celebrated Olympian Mary Lou was in the news last year for a devastating reason- she was suffering from a rare form of pneumonia and had no health insurance.
Now, months later, everyone wants to know where she lives and, more importantly- how she is doing now.
Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, born on January 24, 1968, resides in Houston, Texas. She battled a rare pneumonia, prompting her family to initiate a fundraising effort due to her lack of health insurance. Their campaign raised over $460k. Mary Lou expressed gratitude for surviving but acknowledged the challenging path ahead, possibly involving long-term oxygen use.
Where Does Olympian Mary Lou Live Now?
Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist born on January 24, 1968, has found herself in a health battle in her current hometown of Houston, Texas.
This gymnastics legend’s journey is a testament to her strength and the overwhelming support she received from fans during a challenging time.
Despite leaving her childhood home of Fairmont, West Virginia, Mary Lou’s connection to her roots remains strong.
In fact, her hometown honored her by renaming the street she grew up on as “Mary Lou Retton Drive,” a gesture reflecting the impact she had on the community.
However, in recent years, Mary Lou Retton faced a critical health crisis that garnered national attention.
She was admitted to a Texas hospital, where she fought against a rare and severe form of pneumonia that left her unable to breathe on her own.
Shockingly, it was revealed that the Olympic champion did not have health insurance, and her family was forced to seek financial assistance to cover her mounting medical bills, amounting to a daunting $50,000.
Mary Lou’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, took to the SpotFund donation site to share the dire situation.
She emphasized her mother’s condition, the fact that she required intensive care, and the absence of health insurance coverage.
Despite the initial challenges and uncertainty, the response from fans and well-wishers was overwhelming.
The fundraising campaign managed to raise an astonishing sum of over $460,000, thanks to the generosity of more than 8,300 donors.
It was a heartwarming testament to the enduring admiration and support Mary Lou had garnered throughout her illustrious career.
Mary Lou herself provided an update on her health journey, expressing gratitude for being alive despite the life-threatening situation she faced. She said (via the Rolling Stone):
“This is serious, and this is life, and I’m so grateful to be here. I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support.”
Doctors had advised preparing for the worst as her condition grew increasingly unstable, with her daughter Shayla Schrepfer recalling a moment when Mary Lou’s life hung in the balance.
A turning point emerged when medical professionals administered oxygen directly through Mary Lou’s nose, raising her pulse oximeter level sufficiently to avoid the need for ventilation.
While her road to recovery remained uncertain, Mary Lou Retton faced the future with resilience and determination. She said:
“I’m not great yet; I know it’s going to be a really long road — I don’t know how long, I may indefinitely need oxygen — but you have no idea how blessed and how grateful I was for this holiday season.”
She also talked about the unwavering support from thousands of people, saying:
“I just thought I was a washed-up old athlete, but the love touched me. Now that I’m alive and I made it through, there’s so many more positives than negatives.”
Mary Lou Retton retired from gymnastics over three decades ago, leaving a legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport’s history.
Her career highlight included winning the American Cup all-around competition for the third time in 1985.
Who Is Mary Lou?
Mary Lou Retton, hailing from Fairmont, West Virginia, was destined for athleticism.
Her father, Ronnie, a former West Virginia University basketball player, instilled a love for sports in her. Standing only 5-foot-7, Ronnie had been a part of the WVU basketball team that reached the NCAA national title game in 1959.
Retton’s journey into gymnastics began early in life, thanks to her parents’ encouragement. Her fascination with the sport was kindled when she witnessed Nadia Comaneci’s gold medal performance at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Retton’s academic journey took place at Fairmont Senior High School in West Virginia, although she did not complete her graduation due to her gymnastic commitments.
In pursuit of her gymnastics dreams, Mary Lou relocated to Houston during her high school years to train under the renowned coach, Bela Karolyi, who had also coached her idol, Nadia Comaneci.
Her breakthrough came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she captured the hearts of Americans by winning five medals. Notably, she made history as the first American female gymnast to clinch a gold medal in the all-around competition.
In addition to her gold medal, Mary Lou secured a silver medal in the women’s team all-around event and the women’s vault event. She also claimed two bronze medals in the women’s uneven bars and floor exercise events.
Her triumphant return to Fairmont, West Virginia, was celebrated with a homecoming at the East-West Stadium, commemorating her gold medal victory.
Beyond her gymnastic achievements, Mary Lou Retton remained a prominent figure in pop culture. She appeared in commercials and movies, including roles in “Naked Gun 33 1/3” and “Scrooged.”
In 1990, she tied the knot with Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback. The couple has had four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Emma, and Skyla.
Notably, three of them followed in their mother’s footsteps and pursued gymnastics at the collegiate level, with Emma at Arkansas, McKenna at LSU, and Shayla at Baylor.
Mary Lou Retton’s remarkable journey from a young gymnast in Fairmont, West Virginia, to an Olympic champion and enduring pop culture icon is a testament to her talent, determination, and lasting impact on the world of gymnastics and beyond.
What do you think about Mary Lou’s legacy? Do you think she has inspired the next generation of gymnasts?
Let us know in the comments below.
Source: NY Post and Rolling Stone
