FAIRMONT W.Va. (WVDN) – Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated Olympic gymnast who became America’s sweetheart during the 1984 Summer Games, was arrested earlier this month in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, on a charge of driving under the influence, according to local authorities.
Retton, 57, was taken into custody on the evening of May 17 by officers with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, according to court records. She was charged with misdemeanor DUI, posted a $1,500 bond and was released later that same night. No injuries or additional charges were reported in connection with the incident.
Few details have been released about the circumstances of the arrest, including whether Retton was tested for alcohol or other substances. Law enforcement officials declined to provide further comment, citing an ongoing investigation.
The arrest marks a surprising turn for Retton, who rose to international fame as a teenager when she won the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her performance, highlighted by two perfect 10s on vault and floor exercise, secured her place in U.S. sports history. She also earned two silver and two bronze medals at those Olympic Games.
Retton’s charismatic personality and athletic achievements made her a cultural icon. She graced the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes, appeared in numerous television commercials, and was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportswoman of the Year” in 1984. Following her competitive career, she became a frequent commentator on gymnastics events and a motivational speaker.
In recent years, Retton returned to the public eye under more somber circumstances. In October 2023, her daughter revealed that Retton had been hospitalized in critical condition with a rare form of pneumonia. The illness left her unable to breathe on her own and placed her in the intensive care unit for several weeks. With no health insurance at the time, her family launched a crowdfunding campaign that ultimately raised over $450,000 to help cover medical costs.
Court documents indicate Retton is scheduled to appear before a Marion County magistrate judge later this year to respond to the DUI charge. Under West Virginia law, a first-time DUI offense can carry penalties including a fine, a potential jail sentence of up to six months and the possible suspension of a driver’s license.
