Mary Lou Retton’s Fall from Grace: From Olympic Glory to DUI Arrest

Once celebrated as America’s sweetheart and Olympic icon, Mary Lou Retton is back in the spotlight—but under troubling circumstances. The 1984 gymnastics gold medalist was arrested for DUI in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, on May 17.

According to police, officers responded to reports of a swerving Porsche. They found Retton, 57, in an AutoZone parking lot showing signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol. A bottle of wine was found beside her, and she declined a blood test. Retton was charged with one misdemeanor DUI count and released on a $1,500 recognizance bond.

The arrest follows a near-death health crisis in October 2023. Retton was hospitalized with a rare pneumonia and placed in the ICU. Her daughter revealed she was uninsured, prompting a viral Spotfund campaign that raised over $459,000. Retton later defended the fundraiser, saying all funds went to medical costs, with the remainder pledged to the American Lung Association.

Retton became a national hero after winning five medals at the 1984 Olympics, including the first all-around gold by an American woman. Her triumph made her a household name and earned her a lasting legacy.

Today, that legacy is complicated. Her recent struggles have sparked questions about the challenges elite athletes face after fame fades. Retton’s journey now reflects not just glory but also vulnerability, reminding us that even icons are not immune to life’s hardships.