Mary Lou Retton says she faced 'death in the eyes' while in ICU 

She’s not a washed up athlete. She’s an American icon, and she deserves to be recognized.! I am glad she’s doing better and on her way to recovery 🙏

When my dad was 86 he got Covid. Everyone else was getting put on ventilators. They put him on heated high flow oxygen and he is still here with me today. Praise God!

I was hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in 1997. I was on a ventilator, and was in the hospital for 12 weeks. I was given a 10% chance of survival, and at one point was given the Last Rites. I made it, and life is good! Mary Lou is indeed lucky! She’s incredibly brave and courageous. She will always be America’s Sweetheart. ❤️🤸🥇

I was a 14 yr old gymnast myself when she won the gold medal! She was every female gymnasts idol! Literally had a poster of her on my wall growing up! Glad she is on the mend. ❤

That was an outstanding interview by Hoda. She threaded the needle perfectly by balancing journalism and compassion. Every journalism professor ought to use this interview in their classes and every journalism student ought to study and deconstruct this.

The love in her daughters eyes when looking at her mom is priceless...we love you Mary Lou

Mary Lou Retton is such a sweetie. Doesn't she know she's like a timeless icon. I'm very glad she had pulled through and may she make a full and lasting recovery soon. After that, she should have a youtube channel. I think America like to see more of her in whatever she chooses to talk about or do.

Getting old is so scary. I am almost 60 and watching age take over is hard. People forget we were young and strong.

"I thought I was just an old washed up athlete", that you will NEVER be!! You are a inspiration to so many. You just keep showing the world that big heartfelt, contagious smile of yours. 🙏

I am a 50 year old black man. Mary Lou was like an inspiration to me as a kid growing up. I was an athlete. I played sports and was a track star and I wanted to be an Olympian because of her. I made it to the Jr Olympics when I realized how many talented Americans would represent our country. I remember being a young man with a crush on Mary Lu. I remember she married this very tall guy. I also remember when she had her first child and this is the first time getting to see that young woman as an adult. I don’t blame Mary Lu for being so private with her life. She is still Americas sweetheart and she needs to know this. Millions of Americans of all races fell in love with her, we cheered for her and we’re cheering now for her. I am in Texas. I heard years ago she loves close to my area. I always hoped to see her out and about. I may have and never realized it was her. I wish Mary Lu good health going forward. So happy she’s still with us.

I am glad you’re getting better. I watched my wife suffocate from Covid! She fought 43 days. I was beside her the whole time. So thankful you pulled through. The grief from losing her is overwhelming at times.

I only know the name of one gymnast, and that's Mary Lou Retton. That is how impactful she was in my life. The state of our healthcare system remains grim. I'm so glad she is on the road to recovery.❤

Bless her heart, she looks exhausted. Glad to see she is recovering. Godspeed, Mary Lou.

You can really feel how grateful she is to have made it. What a sweet, strong woman. She’s so tiny. I pray for her continued recovery.

I lived in LA in 1984 during the Olympics and it was an amazing time. I wish I could experience that year all over again. I wish Mary Lou all my best and a speedy recovery. She is an American icon not a washed up athlete. All of us that grew up with you never will forget you and your Olympic performance!

She was the nicest celebrity that l’ve ever met as a flight attendant.❤

Crying watching this. I was horribly sick and the hospital was baffled and scrambling. I said goodbye to my kids. I had an infection they missed. 💯 I get this. God Bless her 💕

MaryLu you changed my life. I was a former gymnast when you won, and inspired me to go back and finish. So I went to UCLA and completed my career. And you made it OK to have muscles. That gave every gymnast permission to have a muscular build instead of an emaciated body. You freed us all. Thank you. I prayed for you when you were sick. So glad you are still here. Love you sister.

I remember seeing her live in 1984 winning her Olympic Medals. I was about 12. To see her like this now is a constant reminder: TIME always moves forward and we don't stay young and healthy forever. So to you young ones: Don't waste your life

So happy that she's alive and on the road to recovery. This interview says SO much about this country's healthcare system, we should be ashamed!

My college teammate who was an Olympic hopeful died of pneumonia at 40 and was so healthy. This hits home and so glad Mary Lou is okay!!! She was my childhood idol!

OMG! I had the same experience with my pneumonia! They told me I has scarlet fever and sent me home. Three days later I crawled on the floor to the phone and called my mom for help. I was criticized at the ER for ‘not giving the antibiotics (given three days before) time to work’. I was left in a room alone for four hours with no one checking on me. Finally the Doctor came back in with test results and sincerely apologized, telling me I had very bad pneumonia, was very sick, and was being admitted. I continued to decline for a week before a specialist came and said it was a rare form and changed treatment. I had surgery and lost 1\3 of my right lung. I was in the hospital for a month. It took 6 months total to really recover. I always wonder if they had taken me seriously at the start would things have changed? I nearly died.

I've loved Mary Lou since I was 14 and watching the '84 olympics. You had to be around then to truly get how huge she was! I'm so relieved to see her doing better now. My husband's best friend lost his wife to pneumonia 2 years ago this February. I'm so happy Mary Lou made it. ❤

That made me cry to see her like that and be so couragous to do an interview but we are all glad she is going to make it. We all remember her Olympic days and we were so proud of her. I hope and pray she makes a full recovery. God Bless her and her family.

My God I forgot just how tiny Mary Lou is. I'm so glad she's out of the hospital and I hope she has a complete recovery soon.

“A washed up old athlete”? Hearing that broke my heart😢. I remember watching the Olympics that year. I remember seeing her everywhere, from TV to cereal boxes, her smile lit up America. It was fantastic! Praying for you continued recovery.

Mary Lou Retton was such an inspiration to me as a child. I was a lifelong victim of severe covert narcissistic abuse by both parents and lived my entire childhood years either in school (special ed) and immersed in 80’s sitcoms until Nintendo came along. At this time I developed early onset mental illness and couldn’t escape the pain but that entire period that the gymnastic Olympics where on I had something to look forward to and found myself in a state of Joy and in anticipation of Mary Lou’s Victory!!! I’m 48 now and this still brings me to tears because she was a life saver for me. I too almost died at age 24 from a rare form of Pneumonia, I was fine the day before and out of nowhere this cold chill entered my lungs and intervention was delayed due to a false reading of an XRay. It nearly killed me and took over 5 months for to regain my strength and get my appetite back. No one even thought to put me in the hospital. It’s nothing short of a miracle that I pulled through on antibiotics alone. I’m so glad she survived!!! It truly was one of the times I looked death straight in the face and lived to share my story. ♥️

Mary Lou was America's Miss America. I have always thought so highly of her. How can anyone not love a girl like that with such inspiration and a killer smile.

Mary Lou continues to shine! She's a national treasure. Speedy recovery!

Had tears in my eyes through this whole interview because I remember her so fondly as an Olympian. She was a major inspiration for me becoming a gymnast for many years. She's still lights up the room, is an inspiration, and a tough as nails fighter.

Wow isn’t it just crazy that it took this for her to realize how LOVED FROM ALL OF US SHE REALLY IS!!

She was and always will be Americas sweetheart. She expresses herself in a very genuine way bc she is the real deal. She is a truly sweet human being. Someone had to have been watching over her, besides her beautiful & loving Daughters. Best wishes for a healthier life to come!

As someone who has a chronic illness and used to figure skate, I know how hard it is to be struck down with health problems. Mary Lou is indeed a fighter and I have faith she will get through this.

Mary Lou was the only athlete in the 1984 Olympics I could resonate with. She made me want to be a gymnast. Every cartwheel and attempted flips by me and my friends was inspired by Mary Lou. Speedy recovery Mary Lou!!

I had my heart attack. I couldn’t afford insurance. It’s hard to believe Mary Lou also didn’t have it. I am so happy she is fighting and pulling through. So happy people pitched in to help, and she could spend the holidays with her daughters. ❤

Gosh -I’m Canadian and remember watching her at the Olympics and rooting for her way back then when I was a teenager. She was and is a ray of sunshine.

Never, never doubt what a positive influence you have been, Mary Lou!

I watched my husband go from healthy and active in his 50s to dependent on 10 liters of oxygen at rest due to end stage lung disease. It was a horrific time. He was ashamed of having to wear oxygen and would hide a lot. There are so many misconceptions about people who wear oxygen (they are NOT all smokers people). He had a double lung transplant and got his life back. I have the utmost compassion for anyone going through such a life changing health issue. We are praying for your Mary Lou Retton!

Great interview. Her smile is amazing and I am so happy she is good. Mary Lou is a national treasure and brings to mind a time when this country was unified. ❤️

I was 11 years old watching her in the 1984 Olympics. My mother was dying in the hospital from cancer. Watching her with my mother in that hospital room was my little bit of bonding i was able to have with my mother before she died. I'm so grateful for Mary Lou for that. She will never know what that meant to me. I love her and i have never met her. I will be praying for her everyday.

Powerful interview. I am 77 and clearly remember the Olympic win. Even with a pinnacle like that, you can still experience the range of life. Glad she pulled out of this one. Keep going Mary Lou

I'm glad she is recovering. She was an incredible athlete and positive role model for kids.

It's a true blessing that Mary Lou has health coverage now . Prayers

Still has a gorgeous smile. So very glad you're still here with us ❤

I just lost my mom 2 weeks ago from pneumonia. I can relate to her daughters. Watching her with her machine it brings everything back. God bless you Marylou.

This makes me tear up. Mary Lou is a national treasure and a bright light in this world.

I'm so glad that she is on the mend! Makes me sad that she was going through a rough time when her illness hit. She's fortunate to have a great family and friends. Bless her.

Thank you Mary Lou. Big fan and watched you in the Olympics. God bless you

Mary Lou was such an inspiration in 1984 and even more of an inspiration now. Her story is yet another testament to the fact that your life can change in an instant. Praying for her full and complete recovery!

It's terrible that she felt that way. It is so nice that she sees that she was wrong. We have always loved Mary Lou!

I was 12 years old when she won all her medals. I got a haircut just like hers because I thought it was so cute. I loved her smile and wanted to smile as big as she did. We love her still! Such an inspiration!

Mary Lou Retton was such a wonderful athlete and person. She had (still has) such spirit. She was the heart of the athletics world for a long time.

As a little girl born in the late 70’s with a myopic muscle disease all I wanted was to be a gymnast like Mary Lou. I still remember watching her in the 80’s and thinking “Wow how does she get her body to do that”. She was and is such an inspiration. I wish her all the best .. ❤🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Praying for her full recovery! She is so sweet.I remember as a teenager watching her win in the ‘84 Olympics! Go Mary Lou!

May Lou, I am so glad you have recovered . My daughter and I have been following your progress and are so thrilled you were able to spend Christmas at home with your family . What. a blessing . We will be praying for your full recovery . I was a college gymnasts and my daughter is a level 10. We actually saw you at the meet you sponsored in 2023 with McKenna. I was cracking up how you were standing by the floor exercise just going crazy watching the gymnasts floor routines. God has given you a bright light and I hope you know how much it means to so many people to keep on shining. your spirit is contagious !!! Dont give up fighting

Best wishes to Mary Lou Retton! So sad to hear of her health troubles. Hope she recovers.💕

She was so inspirational at the Olympics and I keep telling the younger generation that she was what athletes were like before the era of social media influencers

It makes me sad and upset to hear about the poor level of care she got at the first hospital 😢 I’m so glad she lived, and I hope she eventually makes a full recovery! Anyone who had the privilege of watching her win that gold medal could never forget her infectious smile and the joy she spread at that time ❤ PS. To know that this amazing woman could not afford health insurance in this first world country is tragic😢 That should never ever happen!

OMG that smile is unmistakable, it can only be Mary Lou Retton! This woman's spirit is indomitable. She is a ball of sunshine and an American icon. We were so proud of you back then Mary Lou, and we're still proud of you now!

Mary Lou, never doubt that practically the whole country (including myself) loves you for the wonderful person you are. I am overjoyed that you pulled through, even though you still have a ways to go with your health. Take Care.

Praying for MaryLou’s full recovery! And for good health care to become more affordable to all.

The doctors at the first hospital sent Retton home , instead of keeping her under observation for a minimum of 3 days while performing blood chemistry and other tests. Unbelievable. I wish Mary Lou all the best in 2024 and beyond.

I admire this wonderful woman so much!! I wish her a full recovery and many years of health and happiness with her beautiful daughters 💕

Mary Lou, you and I are the same age and I can still remember like yesterday you sticking that landing on the vault during the Olympics. All of America roared that day. The courage you showed in this interview again was simply amazing. Again you have done something remarkable with showing everyone the terrible state of health insurance in this country. I am a successful business owner, married, mostly healthy and I cannot even afford it. I will pray for your healing and recovery. I believe God works all things together for His good so even though you may be in the midst of an excruciating journey He still has a purpose. Thank you so much for opening up to us about your recent illness and sharing your winning smile and extraordinary energy. God bless you. Your fan, Jocelyn from Willoughby, Ohio

After a major surgery last year, I had difficulty breathing post-op because of a bad reaction to the anesthetic. Not being able to get a good breath is the most frightening feeling. Speedy recovery, Mary Lou!

I just love Mary Lou. I’m also from WV and was in college when she won the Olympics. I knew some girls who knew her, and their jealousy was ugly. I used to see Mary Lou at the grocery store, and she was so tiny, and her smile was just as bright for the workers in the deli as it was for the TV cameras. Get well soon. ❤

I was a jr in high school. Always watched mary lou. Prayers for healing

"I will never give up" I don't doubt that at all, Mary Lou is an inspiration to so many people. Love you Mary Lou!

I am BAWLING!!!!! I am so grateful Mary Lou survived this. To see the love in this interview is amazing. God bless you, Mary!!!!!

I’m so glad she pulled through. I was so shocked to hear she couldn’t afford medical insurance, it gos to show that we never know what another persons journey is. Bless you and your family.

She could never be washed up or forgotten. She’s such a beautiful patriot.

It’s really rough out here. Lots of people don’t have health insurance. I’m glad she’s ok. She’s in my prayers.🙏🙏🙏🙏

It’s unsettling to see someone you thought was invincible in such a vulnerable, delicate state. May God bring her continued healing and grace.

Still has that beautiful smile and wonderful spirit. No matter what happens, she is a role model and someone to look up to.

I was a 16-year-old summer live-in nanny and remember watching her on the Olympics with that family. She’s my age. I’m so glad she’s getting better! ❤️‍🩹

I am glad that Mary Lou is doing better today. Mary Lou has always been my favorite athlete I am 4 years and 11 months and 20 days older than her and I loved watching her in The Olympics. Mary Lou Retton take care of yourself sweetheart. I love you girl.

It breaks my heart to see such an icon fighting for her life like that. I hope she continues to recover and someday she gets back to her normal bubbly self. We love you!

Washed up old athlete??? Are you kidding!? I’m a West Virginian and you can believe me when I say that she is a state treasure! Prayers and much love Mary Lou! ❤️🙏🏻

Bless her sweet heart. What an inspiration she is. ❤️❤️❤️

God bless you Mary Lou. You are a symbol of what America is truly about.

As someone who has COPD, I can empathise with Mary Lou. She'll always be the Perfect 10. Not because what she achieved. But with what she's going through now. The way she carries herself and endures. She'll always be an inspiration. Never give up Mary Lou. Because you are a truly amazing person. Your family is also truly amazing too. It's a shame that there is not the NHS in the US. Because I wouldn't be here if it was for the NHS.

As someone who was on a vent on life support in 2016, I feel her emotions. Not remembering it all by itself is hard. I now have restrictive lung disease caused by vent,and get winded, but 6 ft above ground better than 6 ft below. Prayers she overcomes the need for oxygen and her lungs heal.

Prayers for speedy recovery Mary Lou! ❤

OMG when my friends and I heard about her illness, we went looking for where to donate! We love her so much! And we celebrated when she got out of ICU!!!! Sending all the love!!!!

MaryLou is a fighter and I wish her a complete recovery.

Such a huge soul in that tiny body. God bless her, and may he lay his hand of healing on her.

She will slways be loved can never forget her smile stay strong 💪

I spend 8 weeks in hospital last year from an infection in my spine. I had a conversation with death when I was in the ICU. It’s a very rough journey. My heart goes out to her.

Hard to believe it's been 40 years since Mary Lou won that gold medal in LA. Remember watching it on TV during summer break from college. She will always be a champion in everyone's eyes who lived during that time. Mary Lou, may God continue to bless you with continued strength for a complete recovery! 🙏🏾

Glad she is doing better. She is such an icon and we are the same age. I had a huge crush on her when I was a kid like her.

So glad Mary Lou pulled through. I'm a little younger than she is, so I appreciate the impact of what she accomplished more now than I did when it happened. 56 isn't old, and I pray that Mary Lou enjoys many more years of full and healthy living.

Mary Lou is such a treasure. I pray she makes a FULL recovery and gets back to her "normal" life with her lovely family. She deserves the best life has to offer. 💓

Mary Lou was everywhere when I was a kid. She was a defining moment for many of us GenXers. I am so glad she is getting better. On a side note, I had no idea she was so tiny. She's little, but she's a fighter!

I had the same thing happened to me I spent 6 months in icu you will recover I promise glad to see you are on the mend.

Mary Lou Retton has been a name in my life since I was a kid born in 1981. Her story has been the inspiration for so many young people in understanding that they too can be great at anything they choose in life. It's hard for me to see her with an oxygen tube saying that she's washed up because we don't feel that way about her. I will continue to watch her old Olympic footage as a reminder of how great this country is and how proud I am to be an American. God bless her and her family! Thank you for what you've given us. ❤️

Mary Lou, I was 10 years old when you won gold. You made a huge impression on young girls in my time and are a symbol of American women in the Olympics. I will never forget watching you on TV in a small town in NC. You proved so much for young girls in my generation. God bless you and your family. Prayers for continued healing and good health. America loves you ❤️❤️❤️

Mary Lou is a legend! I’m so glad she’s up and doing better. I cried when I saw she wasn’t doing well. She will never be washed up in my eyes!

She brings so much light to our world. I hope her community gives back to her now.

Love her so much. God bless her and keep her healthy.

Mary Lou was the reason I was a kindergarten gymnast. I am a lifelong fan. So glad she is healing.