Despite Her 5 Olympic Medals, Mary Lou Retton Admitted in 2024 She Couldn’t Afford Health Insurance
April 19, 2019 - Fort Worth, Texas, US - MARY LOU RETTON, whose daughter competes for LSU, sits in the stands nervously during the first preliminary session held at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Fort Worth U.S. - ZUMAs146 20190419_zap_s146_058 Copyright: xAmyxSandersonx
April 19, 2019 - Fort Worth, Texas, US - MARY LOU RETTON, whose daughter competes for LSU, sits in the stands nervously during the first preliminary session held at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Fort Worth U.S. - ZUMAs146 20190419_zap_s146_058 Copyright: xAmyxSandersonx
You can be one of the biggest names of your era and still fall victim to hardships. And that’s exactly what happened to the 5X Olympic medalist, Mary Lou Retton.
The first US woman to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics in gymnastics was diagnosed with a rare case of pneumonia in 2023. And if the physical struggles weren’t enough, Retton suffered more for not having health insurance.
“When COVID hit and after my divorce and all my pre-existing (conditions), I mean, I’ve had over 30 operations of orthopedic stuff,” she told Today in an exclusive interview in early 2024. “I couldn’t afford it (health insurance) … That’s the bottom line: I couldn’t afford it.”
Aug 12, 1984; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton (USA) is carried around the track by swimmer David Larson (USA) during the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 1984; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton (USA) is carried around the track by swimmer David Larson (USA) during the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
Despite her fame, Retton's financial difficulties were a stark reality. Surprisingly, she also didn’t have any endorsements or business means that are usually expected from successful athletes.
After 40 years from her Olympic success, affording insurance was not feasible for the divorced gymnast, especially while battling a serious illness. But as Retton said, “life goes on, and things happen.”
However, fate didn’t give up on Mary Lou, who managed to get back on her feet with the help of her daughters and many others.
Mary Lou Retton Succeeded in Battling the Odds
Retton’s daughters were quick to make a public announcement about their mother’s condition. They set up a fundraising site, mentioning that Retton was “fighting for her life.” And this was the move that changed everything.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life...,” the message read. “However, I will disclose that she is not insured … ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”
The fundraiser exceeded its goal of $50,000 and reached $459,324. It ensured Retton's recovery and allowed her to secure health insurance.
With that being said, can you recall any similar incident happening with another athlete? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy