Mary Lou Retton ‘continues to slowly recover’ in fight against rare form of pneumonia, as US Olympic gymnast says she is ‘overwhelmed with the love and support from the world’

US Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton has given an update on her health after falling ill with a rare form of pneumonia.

Retton was hospitalized earlier this month with her daughter McKenna Kelley and revealed her mother was “fighting for her life.”

But after Kelley revealed on October 23 that the former gymnast had been released from the hospital, Retton himself shared some positive news on Monday.

“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m overwhelmed by all the love and support in the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to all of you!’

“I am slowly recovering with my family and remain very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process,” she continued. “I appreciate everyone’s respect for my privacy at this time.”

Mary Lou Retton said Monday that she continued to “slowly recover” from a health problem

She won two Olympic silver and bronze medals that same year, in addition to her gold medal

“When the time is right, I will share more information about my health issues and I hope I can help others who may be facing the same struggles I am.

‘I love you all!’

Retton’s family had set up a Spotfund page to help pay the medical bills, which have exceeded $450,000 – the goal was $50,000.

Retton, 55, captured five medals (one gold, two silver, two bronze) at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

She made history by becoming the first American woman to win gold in the individual all-around competition.

After her retirement, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.

Another of her daughters, Shayla Kelly Schrepfer, posted an update on Instagram earlier this month that there had been a “scary setback.”

However, it now appears that Retton is slowly returning to full health.