Mary Lou Retton, the iconic Olympic gymnast and American athletic hero, is currently charged with a single misdemeanor in Marion County, West Virginia. At the time she was arrested for driving under the influence. The incident that sparked the case happened on May 17, when law enforcement officers pulled her vehicle over. After the arrest, Retton was released on a $1,500 bond later that day after posting bond.
The charges against Retton follow what has been a difficult year for the former Olympic star. Most recently, she has battled a rare form of pneumonia since late 2023. Her extended fight left her in the ICU for almost two weeks. At a time where her community really needed her, her four daughters opened an online fundraiser to help cover her medical bills. Reflecting on her family’s role during her illness, Retton stated, “You’re welcome to, you know, your opinion. But you weren’t in that situation. My daughters stepped up to the plate and they saved my life.”
Mary Lou Retton made history as the first American woman to win an Olympic individual all-around gold medal, accomplishing this at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She still remains one of the most decorated athletes from that coveted affair. She anchored her team to a thrilling victory, scoring an unprecedented four consecutive perfect 10s during the competition. On top of that, she won two silver medals and two bronze medals. Her singles’ success meant not just personal accolades for her, but advancements and greater emphasis on the incomparable talent within the sport of gymnastics in America.
In honor of her impact on the sports world, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. She was great at whatever sport she attempted. In 2018, she further proved just how multi-talented she is, competing on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”
Retton has an amazing career and remains a legendary American sports figure. Her recent health problems and legal issues have taken over the headlines, attracting much more media attention. Following her asthma attack hospitalization, she continued to raise awareness about her fight with ongoing respiratory health. Public speaking, an important aspect of her job, has grown more difficult. “I still have a hard time breathing and getting breath to speak. I’m a speaker and I haven’t been able to really work because I don’t know if I can get up on stage and do an hourlong talk like I’ve normally done for 40 years. That’s frustrating. It’s been difficult, I’m not going to lie,” she added.
Comments from Retton’s attorney, Edmund J. Rollo were not immediately returned inquiring about the DUI case. No matter how she overcomes these new hurdles, Retton’s legacy as a pioneering athlete and beloved icon of American sports history will live on.
