Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton home from hospital after pneumonia battle

Olympic gold medallist Mary Lou Retton home from hospital and “in recovery mode,” her daughter said on Monday

Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton is home from hospital and “in recovery mode,” her daughter said on Monday, after a rare form of pneumonia left the American fighting for her life.

Retton, 55, has spent nearly two weeks in an intensive care unit where she was unable to breathe on her own.

However, her daughter, McKenna Kelley, said her mother is now “progressing well” and is “so happy to be home.”

Kelley posted a photo of her mother smiling in a hospital bed on Instagram, along with the caption:

“Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on my mom. She is home from the hospital and in recovery mode. She is progressing well and so happy to be home. Thank you to everyone for your love and support.”

Retton’s illness has shocked and saddened the sports world.

A trailblazing gymnast who won five medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Retton is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Her fans have been rallying around her on social media, sending messages of support and wishing her a speedy recovery.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Mary Lou Retton is a true champion, both on and off the field. She’s fought so hard to overcome this illness, and I’m so happy to hear that she’s home and doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.”

Another fan wrote:

“Mary Lou Retton is an inspiration to us all. She’s a fighter, and she’s going to beat this. We love you, Mary Lou!”

Retton has not yet commented on her illness, but her daughter said she is grateful for the support of her fans.

“She feels so much love from everyone,” Kelley said. “It’s really helping her.”