“View gallery Image Credit: Robin Marchant Mary Lou Retton is best known as the trailblazing gymnast who became America’s sweetheart after winning gold at the 1984 Olympics. With her exuberant personality, signature smile, and unstoppable energy packed into a 4’9″ frame, Retton quickly became a national icon. In 1984, she was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportswoman”, — write: hollywoodlife.com
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Image Credit: Robin Marchant Mary Lou Retton is best known as the trailblazing gymnast who became America’s sweetheart after winning gold at the 1984 Olympics. With her exuberant personality, signature smile, and unstoppable energy packed into a 4’9″ frame, Retton quickly became a national icon. In 1984, she was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportswoman of the Year” and became the first official spokeswoman for Wheaties. “I would sleep in my leotard on Friday nights because I was so excited about gymnastics on Saturday mornings,” she once recalled.
Decades later, she remains a household name, but in May 2025, she returned to headlines for a different reason: a DUI arrest in West Virginia. According to several outlets, the 57-year-old was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.
Here’s what to know about the former Olympic icon and her recent legal troubles below.
She Made Olympic History in 1984 Retton became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her perfect 10 on the vault became one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.
That year’s Games were especially significant—it was the first time the Summer Olympics had been held in the U.S. in 52 years. Retton went on to win five medals total, including two silver and two bronze, cementing her status as a national hero and pop culture icon.
She remained a beloved figure in American sports until her retirement from gymnastics in 1986.
She’s a Mother of Four Retton has four daughters—Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma—whom she shares with her ex-husband, former Texas Longhorns quarterback Shannon Kelley. Her daughter McKenna Kelley followed in her footsteps as a competitive gymnast, even competing at LSU.
She’s a Former Dancing With the Stars Contestant In 2018, Retton joined Dancing With the Stars for its 27th season. Paired with professional dancer Sasha Farber, she impressed fans with her athleticism and determination. Although she didn’t make it to the finals, she described the experience as empowering and healing after years out of the spotlight.
She Battled Serious Health Issues in 2023 In October 2023, Retton was hospitalized with a rare and life-threatening form of pneumonia. Her daughter launched a fundraiser explaining that Retton was in the ICU and unable to breathe on her own. The public rallied behind her, donating over $400,000 to help cover her medical bills, as she was reportedly uninsured at the time.
She Was Arrested for DUI in 2025 In May 2025, Retton was arrested in West Virginia and charged with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs, according to Marion County court records. The incident occurred on May 17, and she was released from jail the same day after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. Retton later entered a no-contest plea and was fined $100 by a Marion County judge, according to her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo.
Following the arrest, Retton issued a public apology through her lawyer, saying, “I take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. To my family, friends, and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry.
“I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement, and continued support.”
In July 2025, Entertainment Tonight released bodycam footage from the arrest, showing her visibly distressed and needing to use an oxygen tank.