Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton arrested on DUI charge, records show

Published: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11:04 am

Olympic Icon Mary Lou Retton Arrested on DUI Charge in West Virginia

Former Olympic gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton, a beloved figure in American sports, was arrested on a DUI charge earlier this month in West Virginia, according to court records. The 57-year-old was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs on May 17th in Marion County. She was subsequently released after posting a personal recognizance bond of $1,500.

This news comes after Retton's well-publicized battle with a "rare form of pneumonia" in 2023, which saw her hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Retton, who was nicknamed "America's Sweetheart" after her gold medal-winning performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, has been open about her health struggles. In 1984, at just 16 years old, she secured the all-around title, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat. She also earned four other medals that year, solidifying her place in Olympic history.

Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics, Retton transitioned into a career as a motivational speaker, often emphasizing the importance of healthy living and exercise. She also served on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under President George W. Bush. Fox News Digital has reached out to Retton's representatives for comment.

BNN's Perspective: This is a disappointing turn of events for a national icon. While the details are still emerging, it's important to remember that everyone is human and makes mistakes. Hopefully, Ms. Retton will address the situation responsibly and learn from it. It's a reminder that even those we admire can face personal challenges.

Keywords: Mary Lou Retton, DUI, West Virginia, Olympic Games, gymnastics, arrest, driving under the influence, Marion County, 1984 Olympics, America's Sweetheart, pneumonia, motivational speaker, George W. Bush, sports news, athlete, gold medal.

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