In this heartwarming story, we dive into the lives of Mary Lou Retton’s 4 Children – Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma – and their individual journeys, celebrating their achievements and the special bond they share with their extraordinary mother.
Mary Lou Retton, the legendary gymnast who made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics, is not only celebrated for her athletic achievements but also for her role as a dedicated mother to four remarkable children.
Table of Contents
Mary Lou Retton’s 4 Children
Shayla Kelley: The Supportive Eldest Sister
Shayla Kelley, the eldest among the Mary Lou Retton’s 4 Children, was born in April 1995. She graduated from Baylor University, where she met her husband, Wyatt Schrepfer, a former football player for the school. The couple got engaged in December 2018 and celebrated their wedding in January 2020.
As the eldest sibling, Shayla often shares heartwarming photos with her younger sisters, expressing her gratitude for their presence in her life. She frequently pays tribute to her mom, describing her as “the most loving, supportive, and thoughtful mother out there.”
In January 2020, Shayla, along with her sisters, had the privilege of inducting their mother, Mary Lou, into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. This historic moment marked their mother as the first woman ever to receive this prestigious honor. Their heartfelt tribute on Instagram reflected their immense pride and admiration for Mary Lou’s accomplishments.
Shayla shares her mother’s passion for sports as a competitive bodybuilder and documents her journey on her YouTube channel, providing a glimpse into her life.
McKenna Kelley: Following Her Gymnastic Passion
McKenna Kelley, born in April 1997, inherited her mother’s love for gymnastics. She fell in love with the sport at a young age and pursued it with unwavering dedication. In 2019, she shared a heartfelt throwback video on Instagram, accompanied by a letter to her younger self, expressing gratitude for her gymnastics journey.
McKenna continued her gymnastic journey at Louisiana State University. Her achievements, including nearly achieving a perfect score of 10 on her floor routine at the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship, earned her national recognition. During an appearance on the Today show, McKenna shared her perspective on her mother’s influence, emphasizing that Mary Lou is simply “mom” to her.
She never felt pressured by her mother to pursue gymnastics. McKenna, a four-time All-American, graduated with a degree in psychology in May 2019 and currently works as a preschool teacher and coach.
Skyla Kelley: A Cheerleader with a Strong Family Bond
Skyla Kelley, the third child among the Mary Lou Retton’s 4 Children , was born in August 2000. While she didn’t follow her mother and older sister into gymnastics, she excelled as a varsity cheerleader during her high school years. After graduating, Skyla attended Texas Tech University, where she was actively involved in Greek life and joined a sorority, according to her Instagram. She graduated in 2023.
Despite her parents’ separation in 2018, Skyla maintains a close relationship with her father. She expressed her deep appreciation for her father on Instagram, thanking him for the valuable life lessons he provided.
Emma Kelley: Making a Positive Impact
Emma Kelley, the youngest of Mary Lou Retton’s 4 Children, was born in June 2002. Like her sister McKenna and her mother, Emma pursued gymnastics and competed at a high level. She is currently a student-athlete at the University of Arkansas, where she views her education as a significant blessing and opportunity.
Emma dedicates her 2023 season to a noble cause, The Reynolds Cancer House & NWA Children’s Hospital, using her platform to raise awareness and make a positive impact. Her mother, Mary Lou, consistently offers words of encouragement on Emma’s social media posts, highlighting their close bond. In June, Mary Lou celebrated Emma’s 21st birthday, expressing her ongoing admiration and inspiration from her youngest daughter.
U.S. Olympic Legend Mary Lou Retton Battles Rare Pneumonia
In a distressing update, American Olympic sports icon Mary Lou Retton is currently facing a severe health challenge. Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, shared on Instagram that Retton is dealing with an exceptionally rare form of pneumonia, which has left her unable to breathe without assistance.
Currently hospitalized in the ICU for over a week, the situation has understandably left her family deeply concerned. As they navigate this difficult time, the family has turned to Spotfund, a crowdfunding platform, for support. At 55 years old, Mary Lou Retton’s struggle against this unusual pneumonia has garnered well-wishes from her many fans, with her daughter, McKenna Kelley, standing by her side during this challenging period.
Conclusion
Mary Lou Retton’s journey as an Olympic sports champion is beautifully complemented by her role as a loving mother to Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. Mary Lou Retton’s 4 Children has pursued a unique path, showcasing their individual talents and passions. Their unwavering support for their mother, Mary Lou, is evident in their shared achievements and their remarkable family bond. The story of Mary Lou Retton’s family is a testament to the power of love, family, and pursuing one’s dreams.
What happen to Mary Lou Retton?
Mary Lou Retton is suffering from Pneumonia.
In which year Mary Lou Retton win olympics sports?
1984, Summer Olympic sports.
