In October of 2023, Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was hospitalized after contracting a rare life-threatening form of pneumonia.

She became known as “America’s Sweetheart” after winning five medals, including being the first American woman to win an Olympic individual all-around gold in the 1984 Summer games in Los Angeles. She currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Mary Ann Datoc, math teacher, said, “She was an excellent gymnast when I was a little girl.”

She continued, “She impressed all the girls my age to never give up on our dreams to be successful.”

Despite finishing her gymnastics career in 1986, Retton stays active in her community as a sports commentator, an in-demand spokesperson, motivational speaker, and Dancing with the Stars participant.

Chloe Leotta ’24 said, “I think it’s inspirational and shows how much true passion she has for the sport she loves.”

She continued, “As an athlete myself, I think it encourages other females to continue their own passions especially in the male- dominated realm of sports.”

Retton’s life was filled with success, being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year, becoming the first female athlete depicted on a Wheaties box, and having breakfast with president Ronald Regan.

Datoc added, “She inspired all the next generation of girls to believe in themselves and never give up.”

After Retton’s daughter, Kelley Retton, posted on social media of her crucial state, fans found out Retton was in the hospital relying on medicine and being sent to the ICU for over a week unable to breathe on her own and ultimately “fighting for her life,” unable to pay her medical bills.

Lillian Mendiola ’24 said, “Despite the adversity she faced, I think it’s great she stayed in the athletic work space because now she’s inspiring new athletes with her love for sports.”

According to NBC News, Retton stated, “Usually my interviews are, ‘Oh, yes — it felt great to win the Olympics,’ you know? This is different. This is serious and this is life and I am so grateful to be here.”

She added, “I am blessed to be here because there is a time when they were about to put me on life support.”

Kelley reached out to fans, setting up a crowdfunding page revealing the rough financial shape Retton was in after her 2018 divorce and Covid-19 pandemic.

They were able to raise a total of $459,000 and responded, saying, “We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone. Grateful doesn’t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts.”

Mary Lou Retton’s impact is something that will resonate throughout many generations for all young female athletes, from her days in the Olympics to now.