Legendary Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who made history in 1984 as the first American gymnast to win the Olympic gymnastics all-around competition, is now recovering at home after a serious health scare, according to her daughter, McKenna Kelley. Retton, 55, was hospitalized for an extended period due to a rare form of pneumonia that left her unable to breathe on her own.

Kelley took to Instagram on Monday to provide an update on her mother's condition. She revealed that Retton had made "remarkable" progress during her time in the hospital, though the exact date of her release was not disclosed by the family. Retton's recovery journey is expected to be lengthy, as she continues to regain her strength.

To assist with the medical costs incurred during her hospitalization, Kelley initiated an online fundraiser on behalf of Retton's four daughters. It was noted that Retton, unfortunately, does not have health insurance coverage.

Pneumonia, a respiratory infection that causes the lungs to fill with fluid, can have varying degrees of severity, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Although the specific type of rare pneumonia diagnosis was not indicated by the family, Retton's time in the hospital required urgent medical attention.

Retton, known as "America's Sweetheart," became an icon of American sports and captured the hearts of the nation during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. At the age of 16, she secured a total of five medals, solidifying her place in sports history. Her accomplishments opened doors for numerous opportunities, including ventures in movies, TV shows, advertisements, and even gracing the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes.

In recognition of her incredible achievements, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997, cementing her legacy as one of the most prominent figures in gymnastics.

As Mary Lou Retton continues her recovery at home, fans and the gymnastics community alike remain hopeful for her complete restoration to health. Her incredible strength and determination throughout her career speak to the fighter within her, ensuring that she will approach her healing journey with the same tenacity that made her a legend in the world of sports.