Who Is Mary Lou Retton? Check Her Age, Career Highlights, Achievements, and More

Mary Lou Retton is a name that resonates with excellence in American gymnastics history. Known for her historic performance in the 1984 Olympics, she remains an iconic figure in sports even decades after her retirement. 

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Basic Facts About Mary Lou Retton

Here's everything you need to know about her age, career milestones, achievements, and recent updates.

How Old Is Mary Lou Retton?

Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. As of 2025, she is 57 years old.

How Did Mary Lou Retton Begin Her Gymnastics Career?

Retton was inspired to pursue gymnastics after watching Nadia Comăneci compete at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. She began training in her hometown before moving to Houston, Texas, to train under renowned coaches Béla and Márta Károlyi.

What Made Her 1984 Olympic Performance So Historic?

Despite undergoing knee surgery just weeks before the event, Retton made a stunning comeback at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. She also earned two silver and two bronze medals during the same Olympics.

What Are Some of Her Major Career Achievements?

Mary Lou Retton's career is a shining chapter in the history of U.S. gymnastics. Her determination, skill, and charm made her a fan favorite and a national icon.

• American Cup Champion (1983, 1984, 1985)

• Olympic Gold Medalist (1984, Individual All-Around)*

• Olympic Silver Medals in Team Competition and Vault

• Olympic Bronze Medals in Floor Exercise and Uneven Bars

• Named Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated

• First female athlete on a Wheaties box

What Did She Do After Retiring from Gymnastics?

Mary Lou Retton retired in 1986 and shifted her focus to public appearances, endorsements, and motivational speaking. She became a spokeswoman for brands like Revco, Wheaties, and Colonial Penn Life Insurance. She also appeared in TV shows and films, including Scrooged and Baywatch.

What Are Her Achievements?

Beyond her Olympic glory, Mary Lou Retton has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions throughout her life. These accolades reflect her impact on sports, culture, and American history.

• Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement (1985)

• Inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (1992)

• Most Popular Athlete in America (1993, AP Study)

• International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Inductee (1997)

• First Woman in Houston Sports Hall of Fame (2020)

What Do We Know About Her Personal Life?

Retton married Shannon Kelley in 1990 and had four daughters, two of whom followed her path into collegiate gymnastics. The couple divorced in 2018. She has undergone multiple hip replacement surgeries due to her early condition of hip dysplasia.

What Is Her Current Status?

As of May 2025, Mary Lou Retton was in the news again due to her arrest for DUI in Marion County, West Virginia. The incident has not only raised eyebrows but also drawn renewed public attention to the gymnast's recent life challenges.

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Conclusion

Mary Lou Retton’s life has been a blend of triumph, fame, and personal trials. From making Olympic history to facing real-life health and legal struggles, her story is a complex yet inspiring tale of resilience and legacy in American sports.