Olympic Gymnastics Icon Mary Lou Retton Arrested on DUI Charge in West Virginia
Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton was arrested earlier this month on a charge of driving under the influence, according to court records in Marion County, West Virginia, Fox News reports.
The 57-year-old former athlete was charged on May 17 with one count of DUI involving alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Retton was later released from jail after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.
Retton, who captured the nation’s heart during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. Just 16 at the time, she scored perfect 10s in both the vault and floor exercise, sealing her place in Olympic history. She earned five medals in total at the games—one gold, two silver, and two bronze—and was affectionately dubbed “America’s Sweetheart.”
In recent years, Retton faced serious health challenges. In 2023, she was hospitalized with a rare and life-threatening form of pneumonia, which required intensive care. Her family said she had been “fighting for her life,” and at one point doctors considered placing her on life support.
Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics, Retton transitioned into a career as a motivational speaker, advocating for healthy living through proper nutrition and exercise. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under former President George W. Bush.
