Gymnastics Legend Mary Lou Retton Shares Update On Scary Health Condition

Mary Lou Retton is one of the most famous and accomplished athletes in women's gymnastics history.

Retton revealed her opinion on Simone Biles recently, calling her a "super freak" for her record-setting accomplishments.

Related: Charles Barkley Reveals Nine-Word Phrase That Caused Julius Erving to Fight Larry Bird

Related: Torri Huske Nearly Speechless After Beating Her Teammate By .04 Seconds For Gold In The 100-Meter Butterfly

Retton also revealed her recent struggles with a debilitating health condition to Women's World this month including the startling revelation that she was "literally on her deathbed" in 2023.

Retton, who starred at age of 16, added that she "didn't recognize herself" in 2023.

She has been diagnosed with a "rare form" of lung-damaging pneumonia and now relies on oxygen tanks to assist with breathing.

Related: Torri Huske Nearly Speechless After Beating Her Teammate By .04 Seconds For Gold In The 100-Meter Butterfly

Retton said that doctors "still don't know" what is causing the difficulties in her lungs, she said to Entertainment Tonight.

She spent about a month in intensive care in October 2023, saying that she suffered lasting damage to her lungs.

Related: Team USA Swimmer Ryan Murphy's Wife Bridget Makes Big Life Announcement

"My lungs are pretty scarred up and they're gonna stay that way forever," Retton said.

She says that the experience has changed her mentally in a profound way.

"I've been struggling with that," Retton said.

Related: Gymnastics Legend Nastia Liukin Calls Out Olympic Judges In Passionate Interview

In the face of her health struggles, Retton has done her best to cultivate a positive mindset.

"I have a lot to look forward to, and I know that," Retton said.

Related: Gymnastics Legend Shannon Miller Made Her Opinion On Simone Biles Extremely Clear