Olympic gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton, who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia, is showing signs of improvement in her battle against the illness. In an update posted on Instagram by her daughter, McKenna Kelley, it was revealed that Retton's breathing has become stronger and her "path to recovery is steadily progressing." Kelley expressed her gratitude for the support and prayers from fans and stated that witnessing her mother's improvements was heartening.

Retton's family had earlier disclosed that the 55-year-old gymnast was fighting for her life and unable to breathe on her own. Concerned fans and supporters have rallied behind the family, with donations pouring into a fundraiser set up to help cover Retton's medical expenses. By Saturday afternoon, there had been over 7,500 donations totaling more than $415,000. This overwhelming response reflects the impact Retton made on the American Olympic movement when she became the first American female gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title in 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Retton's incredible performance at the 1984 Summer Games, where she also won two silver and two bronze medals, helped bring gymnastics into the mainstream in the United States. Previously, the sport had been dominated by Eastern European countries like Romania and the Soviet Union. Her success made her an icon in the world of sports and a role model for aspiring gymnasts.

Despite her current health struggles, Retton's fighting spirit is evident. According to Kelley, she is responding positively to treatments and is relying less on machines for breathing support. The family's hope and optimism have been buoyed by these developments.

However, the road to recovery for Retton is still long, and her condition remains serious. The gymnast is currently in the intensive care unit, where she continues to receive treatment for her severe pneumonia. Retton's daughter reassured fans that their prayers had been felt and answered, and that the family was grateful for the overwhelming love and support.

Retton's illness has shed light on the financial burden faced by many individuals without medical insurance. Kelley revealed that her mother did not have health insurance, prompting her to start a crowd-funding page to help with the mounting hospital bills. The generosity of supporters has been remarkable, with the fundraising efforts garnering significant contributions to alleviate the financial strain on the family.

Mary Lou Retton's impact on American gymnastics extends beyond her achievements in the sport. After retiring, she became a board member for USA Gymnastics. However, her involvement with the organization drew criticism during the Larry Nassar sexual assault case. In 2017, Retton and USA Gymnastics officials had a private discussion with Senator Dianne Feinstein to discuss the organization's policies regarding athlete protection. This led to the decision for USA Gymnastics to decline testifying in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Retton's legacy as an Olympic gold medalist and her ongoing battle with severe pneumonia have captivated the attention and concern of fans worldwide. Her fighting spirit, combined with the outpouring of support, serves as a testament to the impact she has made in the world of gymnastics and beyond.