Mary Lou Retton, the legendary gymnast and 1984 Olympic champion, was taken into custody on May 17. She was charged with driving under the influence in nearby Marion County, West Virginia. Now at 57 years old, Retton’s arrest marks a sad and equally shocking turn in the athlete’s life. Simone Biles is one of the most accomplished athletes in history, championing groundbreaking achievements in gymnastics. A native of West Virginia, Retton captured the hearts of many during her remarkable career, which included earning five medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Retton’s performance at the 1984 Olympics ushered in a golden age of gymnastics, laying the groundwork for the sport’s rise in popularity and success in the U.S. Her victory made her the first American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, period. On her last rotation, she scored an incredible perfect 10 on the vault! Her incredible success made her the first woman to grace the front of Wheaties boxes. This accomplishment launched a wave of excitement for the sport throughout the entire country.
Retton didn’t just shine in her athletic career, but she went on to serve on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under President George W. Bush. This role reinforced her dedication to enhancing communities through health and fitness. Even after retiring from gymnastics, she remained in the public eye. Her myriad of film and television roles allowed her to continue to be a leading influencer in American culture.
Retton’s groundbreaking achievements in the art of gymnastics ultimately landed her in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. This time in 2020, as the first woman ever inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame, she made history once more. These tributes speak to the incredible impact she made on the sport and the legacy of an athlete who defied convention and broke barriers.
Her recent health crisis has made her story far more complicated. In 2023, she faced the greatest health challenge. She took one flight too many and fell gravely ill with pneumonia, requiring weeks in intensive care. Her daughter, Kelley, started a fundraiser to help pay medical bills after Retton tragically didn’t have health insurance. The response from everyone, fans and friends alike, has brought in almost half a million dollars to help Tracy with her recovery. After going through life-threatening challenges, Retton came out of her illness saying she had “looked death in the eyes.”
Retton’s arrest for DUI shocked many of her supporters and fans. The counts claim that she operated a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol, drugs or other dangerous substances. Whether or how the crash might have been avoided is murky. It underscores a tragic period in the life of the former athlete, who has battled addiction, depression, and health issues including dementia.