Mary Lou Retton Says She Was Almost Put on Life Support in First Interview Since ICU Battle

Mary Lou Retton is speaking out! The 55-year-old Olympian is sitting down with Hoda Kotb on the Today show for her first on-camera interview since her October health scare. 

On Sunday, the Today show shared a first look at the emotional interview, featuring Kotb, Retton, and Retton's daughter, Shayla Schrepfer. 

"I'm very private and to come out and talk about it, usually my interviews are, 'Oh yes, it felt great to win the Olympics!' And this is serious, and this is life," Retton, who is wearing an oxygen tube, says. "I am 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." 

Kotb also shared some promo images from the interview on Instagram, writing, "@marylouretton is speaking out for the first time since being released from the ICU. The gymnastics legend talks to me Monday on @todayshow."

In the images, Retton is wearing a light blue sweater and jeans with the oxygen tube in her nose. The former gymnast is all smiles posing with Kotb in one photo and with Kotb and her daughter Shayla in another pic. 

Shayla reshared the image to her Instagram Story, writing, "Had the BEST time yesterday! My mom is so brave!" 

Retton was hospitalized in October, and her daughters shared that the athlete was "fighting for her life" in the ICU as she battled a rare form of pneumonia. The family set up a Spot Fund account, noting that Retton did not have health insurance. It far surpassed its initial goal of $50,000, bringing in more than $450,000 to help with Retton's medical expenses. 

In October after returning home from the hospital, Retton shared a statement on Instagram, writing, "I'm beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement. I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all!" 

The gymnast also shared that she was still "with family continuing to slowly recover," and added that she was "staying very positive" amid her "long and slow" recovery. 

Thanking fans for respecting her privacy, Retton added, "When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health issues and hope I can help others who may face the same battle as me. I love you all." 

Retton's interview with Kotb will air Monday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 a.m. ET on the Today show. 

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