Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Erum Salam

Mary Lou Retton says she ‘faced death in the eyes’ in battle with pneumonia

Mary Lou Retton celebrates her balance beam score at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Mary Lou Retton celebrates her balance beam score at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Photograph: Lionel Cirroneau/AP

The US Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton has said she “face[d] death in the eyes” after a battle with pneumonia last year sent her to the hospital.

The former gymnast’s remarks about her health scare came on Monday during her first interview since the episode, with the Today show’s Hoda Kotb.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.