Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton recently discussed the serious health crisis she endured last October. She spoke to “Today” for an interview, sharing how dire the situation was when she was diagnosed with a “rare form of pneumonia” in October of 2023.

She told “Today’s” Hoda Kotb, “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.” The five-time Olympic medalist is on a portable oxygen tank to help her lungs, adding that she feels “vulnerable.” Her family detailed her fight against the illness at, at one point, said she was “fighting for her life.”

Then, on Oct. 31., Retton wrote a message assuring her fans that the worst of it was over. She wrote on Instagram, “I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement. I am overwhelmed with the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all! I’m with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process.” One of Retton’s daughters said Retton had a “scary setback” while in intensive care, noting upon her release it would be “baby steps” to recovery.

Retton was nicknamed “America’s sweetheart” during her gold medal-winning performance at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. She was just 16 when she scored perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault in the final two rotations to become the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title. She earned five medals that year – one gold, two silver and two bronze.

After she retired from gymnastics, Retton became a motivational speaker and frequently shared messages about the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under former President George W. Bush.