West Virginia authorities take Mary Lou Retton, renowned U.S. gymnast, into custody following DUI allegations.
U.S. gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton is facing a DUI charge after her arrest in Marion County, West Virginia on May 17. According to court records, Retton was charged with a misdemeanor DUI, allegedly for driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. She posted a personal recognizance bond of $1,500 and was released.
Retton, 57, became a household name at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, where she won the first Olympic gold in the all-around competition for U.S. gymnasts. She narrowly edged Romania's Simona Pauca, earning perfect scores on her final two exercises to clinch the gold.
In October 2023, Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, revealed that her mother was battling a severe form of pneumonia in intensive care and was not covered by medical insurance. A fundraiser was launched to help cover her medical costs, raising nearly $500,000. Retton stated that she did not have insurance due to financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic, divorce, and multiple health issues related to her gymnastics career.
By January 2024, Retton had recovered enough to discuss her health ordeal and ongoing lung issues on the “Today” show. She revealed that she had permanent scarring in her lungs from the pneumonia, which will affect her for the remainder of her life. Despite this, she expressed gratitude for her recovery and the holidays.
Retton's attorney declined to comment on the DUI charge when approached by The Los Angeles Times. The gymnastics icon is set to appear in court on the charge on June 1.
- In light of Mary Lou Retton's health issues, such as her battle with a severe form of pneumonia, the importance of affordable and comprehensive health insurance, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, has become a topic of discussion within the health-and-wellness sector.
- Concurrently, the entertainment industry, including talk shows like the “Today” show, has been instrumental in raising awareness about health matters, interviewing celebrities like Mary Lou Retton to share their personal health journeys, inspiring others who may be going through similar challenges.
- Meanwhile, athletes like Retton from various sports disciplines, including gymnastics, may need to confront different health-related challenges post-retirement, such as managing the aftermath of injuries sustained during their careers, potentially affecting their well-being and mental health, as well as drawing attention to the importance of proper care and resources in sports and science.
