Who Is Mary Lou Retton? About the Olympic Gymnast

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Mary Lou Retton is perfect recognized for being a history-making Olympian. From the fitness center mat to the medals, her skill was once well known.

In May 2025, she made headlines for being arrested for a DUI. According to a number of retailers, she was once charged with “driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.”

Get to grasp extra about this fierce competitor who’s assured to offer the opposite contestants a significant run for his or her cash!

She made Olympic historical past

Mary Lou Retton gained a gold medal within the particular person all-around pageant, in addition to two silver medals and two bronze medals, within the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. It was once the primary time the Summer Olympics have been held within the United States in 52 years, and Mary Lou was once the primary ever American girl to win the all-around gold medal and was once the one one to take action for two decades–till Carly Patterson in 2004’s Olympic video games in Athens. After her report breaking Olympic efficiency, she was referred to as one of the vital widespread athletes in America. She retired in 1986.

She’s a sweetheart and a spitfire

Mary Lou is understood for her exuberant character and heart-warming smile and is a fireball wrapped in a 4’9″ body! She was Wheaties’ first reputable spokeswoman and Sports Illustrated named her “Sportswoman of the Year,” in 1984. Fans in all places fell in love with Mary Lou’s pep, and it’s now not exhausting to look why. “I would sleep in my leotard on Friday nights because I was so excited about gymnastics on Saturday mornings,” she stated in a previous interview.

She is a religious Catholic

Mary Lou credit her intense religion for serving to her in her occupation. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my relationship with God,” she stated in a previous interview. “My relationship with Jesus Christ is so much stronger now, but then, I mean, I knew He gave me talent and I knew that He brought Bela Karolyi into my life to bring that talent out. I give Him all the glory.”

She has 4 youngsters

Mary Lou is a mother to 4 ladies Shayla Rae Kelley, 23, McKenna Lane Kelley, 21, Skyla Brae Kelley, 18, and Emma Jean Kelley, 16, all of whom are athletes. Daughter, McKenna is following in her mother’s footsteps and pursuing gymnastics. While pressure fractures in her legs avoided her from competing nationally, she ended up competing at the faculty degree at LSU, the place she attends.

She’s in a position to carry house the Mirrorball trophy! 

Mary Lou isn’t any stranger to pageant and nonetheless remains extremely have compatibility–she is lately a motivational speaker and company spokesperson who travels the arena as a “Fitness Ambassador.”  DWTS spouse, Sasha Farber, is understandably extremely joyful to be paired together with her. “Yessssss I can finally say it!!! I’m so excited to be partnered with the one and only @marylouretton she is an absolute legend and is working so hard I can’t wait for you all to see her dance !!! @dancingabc,” he captioned a Sept. 12, submit. Good success, guys!