by Arbab Jamil, January 17, 2024
Mary Lou Retton: Gymnastics Star
Mary Lou Retton, born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, is a retired American gymnast. She’s famous for winning a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles when she was 16 years old. Now, at 55, people still remember and celebrate her gymnastic achievements.
When Mary Lou was a little girl, she saw a Romanian gymnast named Nadia Comăneci win a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics. This inspired her to start gymnastics. She moved to Houston to train with famous coaches Béla and Márta Károlyi, who also trained Nadia in Romania.
In 1984, at the Olympics, Mary Lou made history by becoming the first American woman to win a gold medal in individual gymnastics. She did amazing routines on the floor and vault, earning perfect scores. Besides the gold in the all-around event, she won two silver medals and two bronze medals, making her the athlete with the most medals at the 1984 Games.
People loved her not just for her gymnastic skills but also for her friendly style, cheerful personality, and unique pixie haircut. Mary Lou Retton’s achievements have made her a beloved and admired figure in American sports.
Mary Lou Retton: Key Details
| Nickname(s) | America’s Sweetheart |
| Country represented | United States |
| Born | January 24, 1968 (age 55) |
| Birthplace | Fairmont, West Virginia |
| Height | 4 ft 9 in (145 cm) |
| Weight | 93 lb (42 kg) |
| Discipline | Women’s Artistic Gymnastics |
| Club | Karolyi Gym |
| Former Coach(es) | Bela Károlyi, Márta Károlyi |
| Retired | September 29, 1986 |
| Parents | Ronnie Retton and Lois Retton |
| Awards and Honors | Five Olympic Gymnastics Medals, including one gold |
| Spouse | Shannon Kelley (divorced) |
| Children | Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, Emma |
Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth Insights
Mary Lou Retton’s net worth in 2024 is believed to be around $2 million, as reported in 2023 as well. However, these figures should be taken cautiously as they lack robust confirmation from reliable sources. It’s crucial to understand that net worth includes not only earnings but also the total value of owned properties, investments, and any existing debts or liabilities.While Retton’s estimated net worth is $2 million, it doesn’t necessarily mean she has substantial liquid assets readily available. It’s worth noting that her divorce from Shannon Kelley in 2018 might have impacted her net worth, depending on the terms of their settlement after the separation. Always consider the speculative nature of such financial estimates.
Mary Lou Retton’s Early Years
Mary Lou Retton, born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, had an early life filled with energy and determination. Growing up as the youngest of five children, her father Ronnie Retton was a college basketball player and a minor league baseball player. Her mother Lois recognized Mary Lou’s passion for movement early on, enrolling her in dance classes at the age of 4, and later into gymnastics classes at West Virginia University.
From a young age, Mary Lou displayed a natural inclination for physical activity. She began studying dance and acrobatics at age four, and by the time she was five, she had started her gymnastics training. Excitement for gymnastics was so immense that she would even sleep in her leotard on Friday nights, eagerly anticipating Saturday morning practices.
Her inspiration came from watching Olympic athletes like Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci. At age 4, she was captivated by Olga Korbut’s performance in the 1972 Olympics, and four years later, Nadia Comaneci’s bravery and vigor in gymnastics fueled Mary Lou’s dreams of Olympic gold.
Despite not graduating from Fairmont Senior High School, Mary Lou Retton’s commitment to gymnastics led her to compete in the 1984 Olympics during her sophomore year. Her journey from the early days of dance classes to becoming an Olympic champion reflects her dedication and love for the sport.
Mary Lou Retton’s Gymnastics Journey
Mary Lou Retton’s journey into gymnastics began at the age of eight when she was captivated by Nadia Comăneci’s performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Inspired, she started gymnastics in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, coached by Gary Rafaloski. Recognizing her potential, Mary Lou moved to Houston, Texas, at 14 to train under the guidance of renowned Romanian coaches Béla and Márta Károlyi, who had previously coached Nadia Comăneci.
In the lead-up to the 1984 Olympics, Mary Lou faced challenges, including a knee injury during a local gymnastics center floor routine. Despite this setback, she recovered in time for the Olympics in Los Angeles, where she engaged in a tight competition with Romanian gymnast Ecaterina Szabo. With a perfect score on the floor exercise and vault, Mary Lou secured the all-around gold medal by a mere 0.05 points, making her the first female gymnast outside Eastern Europe to achieve this feat.
Her success didn’t stop there; Mary Lou Retton won four additional medals at the 1984 Olympics, including silver in the team competition and the horse vault, and bronze in the floor exercise and uneven bars. She became Sports Illustrated Magazine’s “Sportswoman of the Year” and graced the cover of Wheaties as its first official spokeswoman. Retton continued her triumphs, winning the American Cup all-around competition for the third time in 1985 before retiring in 1986.
Noteworthy is her unique physical presence in gymnastics – a muscular build that stood out from the traditional petite image of gymnasts. Her dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements have left an enduring legacy in the world of gymnastics.
Mary Lou Retton: Olympic Triumphs
Mary Lou Retton, a five-time Olympic medalist, made history by winning the all-around gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics when she was just 16, becoming the first American woman to achieve this prestigious title. Despite undergoing knee surgery six weeks before the Olympics, Retton’s incredible performance included perfect 10s on floor exercise and vault, securing victory by a slim 0.05 points over Romania’s Ecaterina Szabo.
In addition to the all-around gold, Retton earned a silver medal on vault and bronze medals on the uneven bars and floor exercise. She also contributed to another silver medal in the team event. Her five medals at the 1984 Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, made her the most decorated American athlete of the Games, turning her into a national treasure and one of the country’s beloved athletes. Recognizing her remarkable achievements, Sports Illustrated named her “Sportswoman of the Year” in 1984.
Mary Lou Retton held the title of the only American Olympic all-around champion until subsequent gymnasts like Carly Patterson (2004, Athens), Nastia Liukin (2008, Beijing), Gabby Douglas (2012, London), Simone Biles (2016, Rio de Janeiro), and Suni Lee (2021, Tokyo) continued the legacy in the years that followed.
Mary Lou Retton: Retirement and Legacy
After her remarkable success at the 1984 Olympics, Mary Lou Retton continued to shine in gymnastics. In 1985, she secured victory at the American Cup all-around competition for the third time, emphasizing the significance of the win in her career. Winning the American Cup meant a lot to her, especially since, going into the 1984 Olympics, she was not widely known, and the victory in Los Angeles was unexpected.
However, Mary Lou Retton decided to retire from gymnastics in 1986, just ahead of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. She expressed that she felt “ready” for this decision. The American Cup victories and her illustrious career had left an indelible mark, and she wanted to be remembered as a champion. Retton’s approach to retirement was about leaving on a high note, ensuring she would be remembered for her triumphs rather than as an athlete struggling to let go of the sport.
Her retirement didn’t go unnoticed in the gymnastics community. In 1985, she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame, and in 1997, she received the honor of being inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Mary Lou Retton’s legacy extends beyond her athletic prowess, as she left the sport with grace and a desire to be remembered as a true winner and champion.
Mary Lou Retton: On Screen Moments
TV and Film Appearances
- “Knots Landing” (1992)
- “Baywatch” (1993)
- “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” (1994)
- “Glee” (2010)
- Season 27 of “Dancing With The Stars” (2018)
Motivational Speaker and Television Analyst
Mary Lou Retton transitioned to motivational speaking and television analysis after her gymnastics career.
Other Appearances and Ventures
- Hosted ABC Funfit in 1985, featuring five-minute segments on physical fitness.
- Cameo appearance in the film “Scrooged” (1988).
- Guest appearance on “Knots Landing” (1992) and “Baywatch” (1993).
- Participated in the RadioShack Super Bowl XLVIII commercial “The ’80s Called” (2014).
- Created and starred in “Mary Lou’s Flip Flop Shop” (2002).
Dancing With The Stars
Competed in the 27th season of “Dancing With The Stars” in 2018, partnered with Sasha Farber. Eliminated in Week 6, securing the 9th place.
Mary Lou Retton: Health and Personal Journey
Mary Lou Retton faced challenges due to hip dysplasia, a condition she had from birth, worsened by her years as a competitive gymnast. In her mid-thirties, she underwent hip replacement surgery on her left hip due to increased pain from the condition.
Living in Houston, Texas, until 2009, Retton later returned to West Virginia with her family. However, in 2012, she moved back to Houston. In 1990, she married Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and real estate developer. The couple has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. McKenna became an NCAA gymnast at Louisiana State University, and Emma followed as an NCAA gymnast at the University of Arkansas.
Despite the family’s achievements, Retton and Kelley divorced in February 2018. On October 10, 2023, Retton’s daughter McKenna shared that her mother was critically ill with pneumonia. Facing financial challenges, Retton turned to crowdfunding for medical expenses. She returned home to recover and, on October 30, 2023, shared a statement expressing optimism about her slow recovery.
On Thanksgiving, she posted an Instagram update, expressing gratitude for improvement and being home with her daughters after her time in the hospital.
Mary Lou Retton’s Athletic Family
Mary Lou Retton is a proud mom to four daughters. She was married to Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback, from 1990 to 2018. Their daughters, Shayla (28), McKenna (26), Skyla (23), and Emma (21), have each embraced sports in their own remarkable ways.
Shayla was part of Baylor University’s Acrobatics and Tumbling team, McKenna showcased her gymnastics skills at LSU, Skyla is making waves as a competitive cheerleader, and Emma is currently making her mark in gymnastics at the University of Arkansas.
The connection between Mary Lou Retton and her daughters goes beyond family ties; it’s a shared love for sports and athleticism. It’s a testament to how passion and dedication can inspire generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Mary Lou Retton’s most significant achievement?
Winning the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the first American woman to do so in gymnastics.
2. How many Olympic medals does Mary Lou Retton have?
Five Olympic medals: one gold, two silver, and two bronze from the 1984 Olympics.
3. When did Mary Lou Retton retire from gymnastics?
Retired in 1986 after the 1984 Olympics.
4. What challenges has Mary Lou Retton faced in her health journey?
Dealt with hip dysplasia, leading to hip replacement surgery, and recent struggles with pneumonia.
5. How many daughters does Mary Lou Retton have, and are they involved in sports?
Four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. They are involved in gymnastics, cheerleading, and acrobatics.
6. What is Mary Lou Retton’s estimated net worth?
Estimated at $2 million in 2024, but figures are not solidly substantiated and can be influenced by her 2018 divorce.