Famous US Olympian Mary Lou Retton was arrested on a DUI charge earlier this month. The charges were revealed on West Virginia court records in Marion County. On May 17, the US Olympic winner was charged with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Mary Lou Retton posted a $1,500 personal recognizance bond and was released from jail.
Health Issues for Mary Lou Retton
Before the DUI, in 2023, the star gymnast was diagnosed with a rare type of pneumonia. Doctors helped her combat the illness in an intensive care unit. In 2024, Mary Lou Retton said on the NBC Today show, “I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support.
America’s Sweetheart Mary Lou Retton
DUI charges are surprising for Mary Lou Retton, once nicknamed “America’s Sweetheart” during the summer of 1984. She was 16 years old when she received perfect scores on floor exercise and vault. Mary Lou Retton was the first American female gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title. In 1984, the talented gymnast earned five medals, including one gold, two silver, and two bronze. Mary Lou Retton later became a motivational speaker, covering topics such as fitness and proper nutrition.
The Family Talks
When her mother was hospitalized in 2023, McKenna Kelly posted on her Instagram story with a link to a Superfund page for her mom. McKenna said, “My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now.”
She continued, “Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured.” After pulling through, Mary Lou Retton admitted it was tough, with scarred lungs and a lifetime of recovery, taking away her physicality and causing embarrassment.
The Wrapup
Mary Lou Retton was charged with DUI on May 17 in West Virginia. The US Olympian was nicknamed “America’s Sweetheart” in 1984 after becoming the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title.
The groundbreaking gymnast suffered serious health issues in 2023, with family concerns about her life and affording proper treatment. Fortunately, she got out of intensive care, but still suffers from scarring due to a severe bout with a rare form of pneumonia.
