Olympic gold-medalist Mary Lou Retton found herself in legal trouble earlier this month when she was reportedly arrested for driving under the influence in West Virginia. According to records from the West Virginia Magistrate Court, Retton, 57, was taken into custody on Saturday, May 17, on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. She promptly posted a personal recognizance bond of $1,500 that same day.
Retton, a trailblazing gymnast who made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics as the first American woman to win gold in the individual all-around competition, has faced other challenges in recent years. In October 2023, she spent two weeks in the ICU battling a rare form of pneumonia. During that time, her daughters launched a crowdsourcing fund to help with her medical bills, but they faced backlash online for their efforts. Retton defended her daughters, stating that they were simply trying to take care of her and that she was unfazed by the critics.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight in May 2024, Retton opened up about her financial struggles following her 2018 divorce from Shannon Kelley and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her speaking engagements. She shared that the pandemic had brought her work to a standstill, leaving her in a precarious financial situation.
Despite these hardships, Retton remains grateful for the support of her daughters, Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. After her pneumonia diagnosis, McKenna started a fundraising campaign that far exceeded its initial goal, providing much-needed financial assistance during Retton’s recovery. Reflecting on her health challenges, Retton acknowledged the long road to recovery and the frustration of being unable to work as a speaker due to lingering health issues.
Through it all, Retton finds strength in her daughters, whom she considers her greatest accomplishments. She admires their resilience and support during her toughest moments, emphasizing that their love and care mean more to her than any accolades or medals she has received throughout her career. Despite the obstacles she has faced, Retton remains grateful for her life and the unwavering support of her family.
