Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in West Virginia earlier this month. According to court documents obtained by People on May 26, 57-year-old Retton was taken into custody on Saturday, May 17, facing a single count of “driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.” She posted a personal recognizance bond of $1,500 on the day of her arrest, according to records from the West Virginia Magistrate Court.
Retton, best known for becoming the first American woman to win gold in the individual all-around gymnastics competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics, has yet to comment publicly. Us Weekly has reached out to her representatives for a statement.
In recent years, Retton has faced significant personal challenges. In October 2023, she spent two weeks in an intensive care unit battling a rare form of pneumonia. During this difficult time, her daughters launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover medical expenses, which attracted some online criticism. Retton defended their effort in a May 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying, “They were just trying to take care of me… Everybody’s got an opinion, but it is what it is.”
Retton also shared that her financial situation declined after her 2018 divorce from Shannon Kelley and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her speaking engagements, which previously formed a key part of her income. Despite the setbacks, she continues to manage her life while raising her four daughters: Shayla, 30, McKenna, 28, Skyla, 25, and Emma, 22.
The DUI arrest marks a difficult chapter for the gymnast, who once stood as a symbol of American athletic excellence. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
