New details have emerged regarding the recent arrest of Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton. According to a report from the Associated Press on May 27, the Fairmont Police department in West Virginia claimed that Retton, 57, “smelled of alcohol and was slurring her words” after failing a field sobriety test. Officers also allegedly found a container of wine in the passenger seat of her vehicle.
Retton was arrested on May 17 on a single count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs, as reported by People on May 26. The police stopped her after receiving reports of a person driving erratically in a Porsche. Despite the allegations, Retton reportedly refused a roadside breath test and blood test. She was released from custody after paying a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.
This incident comes after Retton’s battle with a rare form of pneumonia in October 2023, which landed her in the ICU for two weeks. At the time, her daughters set up a crowdsourcing fund to cover her medical expenses, which attracted some online criticism. Retton defended her daughters, stating, “They didn’t deserve that. They were just trying to take care of me.”
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight in May 2024, Retton opened up about her financial struggles following her divorce from Shannon Kelley in 2018 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her speaking engagements. She mentioned that her income took a hit during the pandemic, as her work involved interacting with people in person.
Reflecting on her health struggles, Retton admitted that the recovery from pneumonia was challenging and that she was still dependent on oxygen. She expressed frustration at not being able to work as a speaker due to her lingering health issues. Despite the setbacks, Retton remains determined to overcome these obstacles and get back to her normal routine.
Overall, Mary Lou Retton’s recent arrest and health challenges have presented significant hurdles for the former Olympic champion. However, she continues to face these difficulties with resilience and determination as she works towards recovery and rebuilding her career.
