Once hailed as America’s sweetheart and a symbol of athletic excellence, Mary Lou Retton is now making headlines for a far more troubling reason. The legendary gymnast—who captured hearts with her gold medal performance at the 1984 Olympics—was arrested for DUI on May 17 in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia.
Police responded to a report of a swerving Porsche and discovered Retton, 57, parked at an AutoZone. Officers noted clear signs of impairment: slurred speech, the scent of alcohol, and an open bottle of wine on the passenger seat. Retton reportedly refused a blood test and was subsequently charged with misdemeanor DUI. She was released on a $1,500 recognizance bond.
This arrest comes just months after Retton survived a near-fatal battle with rare pneumonia in October 2023. Her hospitalization and lack of insurance prompted her daughter to launch a Spotfund campaign that went viral, raising over $459,000. Retton later clarified that the donations were used for medical expenses, with remaining funds pledged to the American Lung Association.
Retton’s name is forever etched in Olympic history—she was the first American woman to win the coveted all-around gold medal, claiming five medals in total during the 1984 Games. Her dazzling performance transformed her into a national icon.
But the recent events have cast a shadow over that shining legacy. Retton’s fall from grace highlights the unseen struggles athletes often face after the spotlight fades. Her story now serves as a stark reminder that even the brightest stars can battle darkness behind the scenes.
