Mary Lou Retton is an American retired gymnast. At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, as well as two silver medals and two bronze medals. Her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United State.
Mary Lou Retton Biography
Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. She demonstrated her passion and aptitude for gymnastics at a young age, and her parents recognized her potential. Under the guidance of renowned coach Bela Karolyi, Retton began her journey to gymnastic stardom.
Her dedication and hard work paid off when she clinched the gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This victory was historic for several reasons.
Not only did it make Mary Lou Retton the first American woman to win the all-around gold, but it also marked the end of the Soviet Union’s long-standing dominance in gymnastics. Retton’s captivating smile, incredible athleticism, and unwavering determination won the hearts of not just Americans but fans worldwide.
In addition to the all-around gold, Retton also earned two silver medals and two bronze medals at the 1984 Olympics. Her impeccable performance in the vault earned her a perfect 10, making her the first American woman to achieve this score in Olympic gymnastics.
Mary Lou Retton Career
Mary Lou Retton’s endorsement deals and various television appearances significantly contributed to her overall net worth. In the years following her Olympic win, she became a household name and an ambassador for gymnastics. Some of her most notable endorsements included deals with Wheaties, which featured her on their cereal boxes, and the popular candy brand Hershey’s.
She also starred in commercials for numerous products, including Energizer batteries, Revco Drug Stores, and Purex laundry detergent. These deals, combined with her motivational speaking engagements and television appearances, further boosted her financial standing.
After completing her gymnastics program, Retton enrolled at the esteemed University of Texas at Austin. From 2009 until 2009, Retton resided in Houston, Texas before returning to West Virginia. She married former Texas University quarterback and real estate developer Shannon Kelley in 2012, subsequent to her return to Houston. Collectively, they had four daughters, namely Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. The year of their divorce was 2018.
Mary Lou Retton illness
Olympic gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton is “fighting for her life” in an intensive care unit, according to her daughter.
Retton has been diagnosed with “a very rare form of pneumonia” and has been in the ICU at an undisclosed hospital for more than a week “not able to breathe on her own”, McKenna Kelley said in an Instagram story posted on Tuesday afternoon.
Mary Lou Retton age
Born on January 24, 1968, she is 55 years old
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth
Mary Lou Retton’s net worth, as of September 2023, was estimated to be around $2 million. Her income primarily stems from her gymnastics career, motivational speaking engagements, and various endorsements and television appearances.
Mary Lou Retton Parent
Her Parents are Ronnie Retton and Lois Retton.
Mary Lou Retton wife
She is married to Shannon Kelley. Their journey as life partners lasted for 27 cherished years, bearing the fruit of four beautiful daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma.
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