Olympian Mary Lou Retton Reflects on "New Lease on Life" After Nearly Dying | PEOPLE

[@Sing4JCOnly2]

We're happy you are still here and making progress. God bless you, Mary Lou. You are a walking miracle.

[@JenniferCummings-p4c]

I remember watching you in the 84' Olympics. I was only a couple years younger than you. So I didn't wanna watch the Olympics. But, that's what my parents were watching. So, that's what I had to watch. I couldn't wait for it to be over. Then my dad told me watch this girl here. She team USA and only 16 years. And I was amazed on how good you were at 16. Anyway, after that day I was hooked. I was glued to the TV every day. And it was just to watch you! You are one of a kind. And thank goodness you have a Angel on your shoulder and you are still here to talk about it! God Bless You! ❤️

[@julianachandler2975]

Glad you’re still here Mary Lou. God bless you and your family ❤

[@sherwood5427]

She's always had the most amazing smile that lights up her eyes. Loved her during the Olympics. Still do.

[@natalielawson6757]

Mary Lou---you had PERFECT form in gymnastics. You were so genuine, so real, so truly joyous. So glad to see you getting better. All the best to you and your family. ❤❤❤

[@kscott7657]

This beautiful soul! You touched us for life Mary Lou

[@v12tommy]

Its sad to see her like that, but she's made such a massive improvement over the last few months. Im glad she's still kicking. She seems like she'd make an awesome grandma.

[@louiseclark7967]

An American icon turned Lou-Lou!! I think that's so amazing! God Bless, girl. 😍❤🙏

[@jkn8705]

She is such a gem!!! Congrats, Lou Lou! You're gonna be a great grandma! ❤ I'm so happy to see her thriving.

[@johnroberts2444]

I always loved watching Mary Lou Retton back in the 80s performing gymnastics ,your no #1 in my opinion Mary Lou !!!!! 🤸‍♀️🥰🙏❤️

[@micheleclark59]

So Happy you’re still with us! Keep enjoying Life and ignore any negativity ❤

[@rlane1lsu]

She is precious. Love her!

[@amarkray01]

Some of y’all coming for this woman about her being “loaded”, “loopy” or “drugged up” really need to check yourself. This woman ALMOST DIED! She was in a medical induced coma for several days and suffered irreparable damage to her body. When you go through something like that, of course you’re not going to behave in a conventionally “normal” way. Stop the trolling and show this woman some respect for still being present on this Earth with the rest of us. Love you, Mary Lou. ❤️

[@qprtplx2105]

She did interviews earlier this year on oxygen where she didn’t sound like this though…

[@octoberscamp]

@@qprtplx2105 yes, and she did interviews where she was clearly altered well before this whole health scare

[@stephaniezehler2986]

She’s medicated.

[@iMonicaB]

@@stephaniezehler2986exactly

[@wendystjean4678]

Watch her mouth when she speaks. It almost seems like she had a stroke. Either that and/or medication.

[@amierittler8940]

Mary Lou, you have been - and are - an inspiration to our nation. Forever and always!!!!

[@superben790]

I'm so happy that Mary Lou is still with us today and survived!!!!!!

[@corianderwolfgangrainbeaux]

Mary Lou, you’re an American icon! Enjoy your life. Your beautiful smile still radiates joy & love.

[@Neilfrozn]

You are such a beautiful person Mary Lou! Thank God you are still with us!

[@JohnLaRue-zp2uj]

Mary Lou, my prayers are with you and you are a legend...Both in the Olympics, and in real life. Bless you lady!

[@amandam561]

I am 47 and always loved Mary Lou since a little girl.. she was to me someone I idolized and I don't even do gymnastics.. she has just always had that IT factor in her

[@Venomous_471]

I been a Fan since 1983 and I love Mary lou and her Million dollar smile. ❤❤, 🎉

[@kreathagreene5189]

Mary Lou was exceptionally talented. I watched her win her metals and I was 13 years old. I am now almost 52, I have emphysema and sle lupus. I know what it’s like not to be able to breathe. At times my o2 stats would stay from 82-93. I went almost a week with my o2. Stats in the 80’s I haven’t had a bad attack since July of 2023. She has the most beautiful smile . I feel so bad for her having to go through this. I pray she gets better.

[@Kelly-sk2yb]

Mary lou so thankful you made it through !! You were such an inspiration to me ever since I was a kid in the 80s. 🎉

[@Angela-du7ov]

I'm glad she is still here with her family. Mary Lou is tough!

[@Timbergal]

Mary Lou! I just Love you so much! I watched you in 1984 and it was one of the best moments of my life. You are such a lovey person!

[@jennifersimmons964]

Love you, Mary Lou, God bless you! You are one of my all time fav's , from a fellow WV!

[@esterdrass4964]

I saw Mary Lou at Madison Square Garden so many years ago. She was unknown then and she was the replacement for the great Dianne Durham (if memory serves me well).I think it was 1983. Mary Lou was not well known at that time because I remember the fellow seated next to me cheered for each gymnast as they came out and when Mary Lou was mentioned he said, 'who is that??'. She won that day, and it was such a great show and very soon after that, she became a household name. I was very lucky to have been able to watch such wonderful gymnasts at MSG back then.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

She is America's sweetest sweetheart! I hope she makes a full recovery and enjoys a long and fruitful life.

[@Mary-lp6cn]

You are truly a blessing! Praise the Lord. I loved watching you do gymnastics!

[@NancyDellinger]

I totally agree with you @Royal Master!!! I just love Mary lou...she will always be my favorite gymnist

[@mamabear123]

She is still an adorable treasure! Congratulations LouLou!❤❤❤

[@TwylaTurner-l9y]

Mary Lou I admire you and I am so thankful my prayers for you to live have been answered Hugs from New Mexico

[@deborahlopez9795]

She is amazing I remember watching her in 1984 Olympics

[@gloriagcoronado4217]

God bless you your family & new grandbaby ! Prayers!! 😊

[@sherrimeyers9027]

I have always loved how big her smile is and how it lights up the whole room

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

Her spirit does, too.

[@melodyann44]

What she endured is unreal. She survived yet the traumatic illness aged the heck out of her. I wish her the best . Hopefully she gets healthier 🙏

[@anthonyedison1126]

each one of us(women and men) have been through/had something happen/take place in our life. it is when you go through something that you take a couple of steps back, Give Thanks and know that there is something better coming.

[@MsLylianne]

This illness must have been sooo sooo tough for her. I'm glad to see she's recovering.

[@toniemcfadden296]

Love you Mary Lou retton ❤ the good Lord spared your life, God bless your beautiful heart and family 💝

[@ladylibrum7145]

What an amazing lady. ❤️

[@mainefem8541]

I'm on an oxygenator machine 12/24 since a year ago (congestive heart failure & COPD); my voice has never changed; & I certainly don't slur my words. Anyone whose oxygen saturation rate is below 90 is put on oxygen, pronto (being generous w/that number)! She's hammered on ?? in this video interview. Family members are covering for her.

[@colson9310]

Epilepsy & meds. Don't judge. She was in Coma for months.

[@coachgeo]

Just luv her spirit. Bless ya Lou Lou

[@CollinwoodGirl7]

I remember watching you as a child and all my friends the next day at school were abuzz❤

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

What a miracle from God! Thank you, Mary Lou Retton, for your contribution to America. God Bless you!

[@CollinwoodGirl7]

LouLou is the sweetest thing omg❤

[@mirtalakatz7158]

She is the best, always will be the best! God bless her. She will recuperate fully. Let’s pray for her.

[@tkhaskin]

This woman is an American icon! I have so much respect for her and her contribution to the gymnastic sports! So happy to see her happy, health and smiling. God bless you Mary Lou Retton!!!!!

[@KaiOpaka]

Doesn't her contribution to gymnastics include trying to lobby against the protection of gymnasts in the wake of the Nassar allegations? Bela and Marta did so much damage and some of their gymnasts internalized it. Kim Zmeskal's gym is Texas Dreams aka Texas Nightmares. I don't know that Mary Lou is capable of being that person now, and I hope she understands how wrong her old self was. She's got such an aura, and if she lives the rest of her life reliving her great moments, she deserves to be heard. She was a victim of the Karolyis in a way. Body shaming etc. Maybe she's healing that trauma as best she can considering the lateness of her chance of an epiphany.

[@RGibson116]

❤ you, Mary Lou!!!

[@IlearneditfromLiz]

I wonder if she has an addiction and can conquer that, how much more she could bring to the world in awareness!! I pray she heals from the constant physical and emotional pain she appears to be in. I’ll never forget her greatness, I hope she tells her full story someday. Like typical young athletes, many go broke as they have no clue how to manage money, even some, having their fortune stolen.

[@dinarivas626]

I remember when Marylou won the gold. I can’t believe it’s been 40 years. She will always be americas sweetheart.

[@andreweldridge3714]

Good Lord...how has it been 40 years since I saw her win that Olympic Gold?

[@juliedavis9406]

Fairmont, WV loves you, Mary Lou!!!!! We are hometown proud of you!!!! I will never forget the moment you won that gold medal!!! I was lying on my bed watching every moment!! 40 years ago!!!

[@anthonyedison1126]

i will wholeheartedly admit that i myself was like this before a small handful of people shared that i needed to 'rise up' and make a man that you were Created to be.

[@anthonyedison1126]

each time something like this goes on, many people care to point out others faults and do not take into consideration their own.

[@jimtfmb]

Love her. ❤

[@michelekurlan2580]

Legendary coach/athlete relationship. Bela and his springy, sqnguine little "Panda."

[@sheiladrain2088]

Love you Mary Lou..

[@terrenceferguson5110]

She looks amazing 👏 and is a legend in the sport of gymnastics and is so loved ❤❤❤

[@waynebooker498]

I'm so glad she's ok now. She's such a beautiful sprit, and she still has that megawatt smile.

[@wendystjean4678]

I can't believe some of the horrible comments!!! She was in a medically induced coma and almost died! She seems like she might have had a stroke, or maybe it's just the medication she is on. People need to have a little empathy. Keep your nasty comments to yourselves!!

[@amarkray01]

@@wendystjean4678 I said the same thing. The blatant disrespect that people are showing her is sickening. Forget that she’s an Olympic champion and an American icon. She’s a human being first and deserves nothing less than compassion.

[@SuzanneWaltimyer]

Mary Lou Retton was equal to "American". loved watching her then, still love watching the videos. Great memories of the olden days when things were so different.

[@qprtplx2105]

Love her and totally agree that she was a trailblazer….but she is absolutely LOADED in this interview lmao

[@surlywithfabshoes]

That was my assessment too. It was irresponsible for People to air this.

[@unknown-lf6zx]

You don’t know that. She almost freaking died and it’s probably effects from the brain damage etc.

[@LisaReisinger-p4w]

I think it's effects from lack of oxygen over time. Even though her manerisms seem off her words and sentences flow well and make sense. If she was messed up she would slur and say things that dont make sense or talk off topic which she didn't.

[@unknown-lf6zx]

@@LisaReisinger-p4w agree. Lack of oxygen to brain and respiratory issues might make anyone’s speech impacted

[@unknown-lf6zx]

Love Mary Lou ❤❤❤ Thank God she’s okay! She was my childhood hero

[@jrpacer6355]

She the best in her craft no one will ever forget you are the best

[@thefamouspeopleus]

Mary Lou's story is so powerful

[@johnnystir9796]

She's still an inspiration...but in a different way.

[@genealogystepbystep5690]

You are awesome! You are loved! So happy to see you are healing. Enjoy your grandkids. Jack Later Family Search Specialist.

[@anthonyedison1126]

you never know what any one person is going through and what took place to where they are.

[@gabrielablanchetsalazar8797]

I think she deserve respect. Please don’t show these videos. Love Mary Lou Retton

[@FocusBreakForYou]

love her! how precious is she?

[@joany11swatch14]

She’s hammered in this video. Clearly on something.

[@yesher12]

She's struggled with substance abuse for decades. She has been in a lot of pain from her hips. I pray she will be OK but really her daughters have taken the brunt of this. I hope they are OK. 🙏🏽

[@mainefem8541]

Long-term substance abuse ages the hell out of anyone's face.​@@yesher12

[@hotpinkjalapenos]

Your as adorable as you were in 1984 We Loved You and still do

[@maryannfelice148]

The power of prayer. The power of prayer.

[@flenzy]

She seems to be trying to impress upon us that she had/has no money because of her Gofundme? I remember her coming home from the Olympics to some major endorsements/advertisers. She received $1,000,000 for her gold metal from Wheaties alone. She also has advertised for Hersheys, Purex Laundry detergent, Energizer batteries, and Revco and who knows how many more.

[@Mom99004]

National treasure!!!!! We love you!!!!

[@evanwilliams6406]

Miracle

[@elizabethbailey1493]

This woman publicly defended USAG and Steve Penny's coverup of the Nasser scandal. She is complicit. She is not a hero and deserves no celebration Edit: some people don't understand that this sad excuse for a human being went to Congress and actively campaigned against passing the Safe Sport law because USAG and Steve Penny said they were already protecting gymnasts enough. Regardless of what she knew who tf advocates against Safe Sport? And who KEEPS HELPING USAG AND STEVE PENNY. She is a disgrace.

[@chocdave]

And maybe this changed her. Lots of people change. Do you want to be held prisoner to YOUR past? It's not a final record until it's all over.

[@susancanavespe5217]

Who are you to judge others.

[@extra_ice_girl]

@@chocdavethat wasn’t a mistake she made, it was a conscious decision.

[@chocdave]

@extra_ice_girl Oh come on, YOU'VE made conscious decisions you later realized were bad mistakes. Shall we talk about all our romantic decisions? And after near-death, she's re-thinking things as you always do after that and this might be one of them

[@surlywithfabshoes]

There was a lot of info unavailable at the time, and certainly would NOT have condoned it had she known. She made the statement she did with the info she had at the time. She isn’t complicit.

[@terrischiro8093]

I wonder if it was something she breathed in. She said she had her nails done the day before with her daughters. Praying for her total recovery.

[@bleujai5011]

Mary Lou is Marty Louis. Dude. Deception everywhere. 56 is young to look like 70 plus.

[@margaretdunne1765]

What a Beautiful Smile 😁

[@riagurl3078]

Enjoy her granddaughter and daughters.

[@riagurl3078]

She has purpose.

[@keithn4395]

Get up Mary Lou

[@LucyBecker-n1l]

Poor Mary Lou, she looks really old here, pray for her 🙏🏽

[@iaagg]

I don't think she has changed from that 100 percent bubbly on fire persona that she was back then.

[@Monkegtvr7894]

I'm glad she survived. But, whoever allowed her to do this interview should be ashamed.

[@surlywithfabshoes]

💯!!!! Even if they did the interview People mag knows better to publish something like this…but it will gain attention. All about the clicks.

[@darkstarbrett]

Everyone remembers her.

[@MelissaLuvsHens]

This lady has to be a Christian. She's just so gracious, kind, humble, generous, everything I want to be. I will be keeping up on how she's doing

[@TheTruth-k7y]

For those of you who want to know about the REAL Mary Lou Retton. This is a first-hand account of who she really is. I can say this with full confidence, as I am a former friend. She is nothing like the smiley-faced, sweet persona she tries to portray. She is a lying, deceitful, self-centered individual with no care of compassion for others. She is the true definition of a user. This is nothing about Mary Lou’s personality that is genuine. I am sure there is not a single fan out there who loves Mary Lou, more than Mary Lou loves herself. She is more than happy to continuously talk about her accomplishments, and remind you who she is and what she’s done. In all my conversations with her, I can’t remember her ever asking, “How are you”? It all about Mary Lou. If you believe she had “Pneumonia”, I have a bridge I would like to sell you. She is an Anti-Vaxxer who refuses to admit the real reason behind her illness. For someone who preaches the word of God so much, she would walk the walk instead of lying to everyone she comes in contact with.

[@StilettoLafleur]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@genaky30]

1984 オリンピックスター 次はロスだぞメアリー！！ 元気に聖火台に火を灯してくれ‼️

[@RoseMyers-ey4rm]

Mary Lou has upset and angered me, and I am sure many others, who live in her hometown, Fairmont WV. She was NOT born/raised in a HOLLER and the city's residents are NOT HILLBILLIES! Fairmont is a short 30 minutes from Morgantown, home of The Mountaineers.... Fairmont is a small CITY that has named the road, Mary Lou Retton Drive, where her beautiful, family home is located. We have also named our sports park after her as a sign of respect and appreciation. It is a shame she didn't show her hometown the same respect and appreciation in her People Magazine interview.

[@TheTruth-k7y]

For those of you who want to know about the REAL Mary Lou Retton. This is a first-hand account of who she really is. I can say this with full confidence, as I am a former friend. She is nothing like the smiley-faced, sweet persona she tries to portray. She is a lying, deceitful, self-centered individual with no care of compassion for others. She is the true definition of a user. This is nothing about Mary Lou’s personality that is genuine. I am sure there is not a single fan out there who loves Mary Lou, more than Mary Lou loves herself. She is more than happy to continuously talk about her accomplishments, and remind you who she is and what she’s done. In all my conversations with her, I can’t remember her ever asking, “How are you”? It all about Mary Lou. If you believe she had “Pneumonia”, I have a bridge I would like to sell you. She is an Anti-Vaxxer who refuses to admit the real reason behind her illness. For someone who preaches the word of God so much, she would walk the walk instead of lying to everyone she comes in contact with.

[@demiloca]

Well you sure are bitter and over what?

[@tlg22073]

Why is it a step backwards? The men have their legs covered. I personally find the leotards worn offensively revealing and tacky. Mary Lou and Nadia covered their butts and still performed all their moves.

[@anthonyedison1126]

i need to Give Thanks to The Lord for helping guide Ms. Retton through an ordeal that could have had a completely different turnout. i find it completely interesting and oddly unique that whenever someone is going through something that this woman did, so many people 'aim/wanna' point that automatic finger and say 'guilty'. when something like this happens/takes place, you need to look at how many fingers are pointing back at you.

[@anglesaquatics9560]

You Mary are a firecracker then and are know

[@joany11swatch14]

HAMMERED !!!!!

[@chc94]

She sounds like she had a stroke that affected her speech.

[@octoberscamp]

She seems like she’s been drinking or something…why is she so loopy?

[@thomasszymanski1107]

I thought the same thing but I was afraid to post because of trolls coming for me. Loopy is the word - who knows!

[@sharbearkat]

I agree, something seems off with this interview. Maybe a side effect to some of the medications she may still be on?

[@iMonicaB]

Yes. Really off. Very exaggerated responses that she can barely pronounce

[@melissac3618]

Looks almost as though she's experiencing tremors in addition to the slurred speech. It has me wondering if she sustained neurological damage from when she had Covid. Could have experienced hypoxia, could have experienced a stroke, etc. I don't know if we ever really found out.

[@octoberscamp]

@@melissac3618 she def have some weird, loopy interviews before the whole pneumonia episode

[@DebbieC-lo5co]

Good lord what is she talking about? I don't understand anything she's saying I really don't think she does either, wow I wonder what medication as she's taking because it's making her like this, she looks terrible, heartbreaking interview makes me sad and I'm almost embarrassed for her hope she doesn't get too much backlash fron this.,.

[@ccarlton5830]

It’s alcohol… that’s why she looks so aged

[@almarodriguez6877]

She looks really old than really she is, I think cuz her healt problem…

[@danavelez5615]

OMG she looks like she's 80 years old.....

[@cherylk1518]

I’m shocked as well! I’m so glad she survived but, is this aging from the sickness she had?…

[@unknown-lf6zx]

That’s so mean. She looks fine. She almost died! Be kind

[@mypersonalstuff8456]

@@unknown-lf6zxI don’t think the age reference was intended as an insult. It’s just this person’s statement of fact. Yes, what she went through was tough and it undoubtedly took a toll on her body. She does look older than she really is.

[@miloperrault2614]

​@@unknown-lf6zxSadly, she looks far beyond the 56 years she is.

[@unknown-lf6zx]

@@miloperrault2614she almost died. Give her a freaking break please be kind.

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

😊👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏