Olympic Icon Mary Lou Retton Arrested on DUI Charge in West Virginia

Mary Lou Retton, the beloved Olympic gymnastics champion who captivated the nation in 1984, was recently arrested on a DUI charge in her home state of West Virginia.

According to court records from Marion County, the 57-year-old was charged on May 17 with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. She was later released on a personal recognizance bond of $1,500. As of now, her representatives have not publicly responded to the incident.

The arrest comes just months after Retton made headlines for a serious health scare. In 2023, she was hospitalized with what her family described as a “rare form of pneumonia.” Her condition was critical at one point, and she spent time in intensive care.

“There was a time when they were about to put me on life support,” Retton shared in a candid 2024 interview on NBC’s Today. “This is serious, and this is life, and I’m so grateful to be here.”

Retton’s legacy as one of America’s most iconic athletes remains firmly intact. At just 16 years old, she became the first U.S. woman to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics title at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Her perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault during the final two rotations earned her the nickname America’s sweetheart. That year, she took home five Olympic medals—one gold, two silver, and two bronze.

Following her retirement from gymnastics, Retton continued to inspire as a motivational speaker and advocate for healthy living. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports during President George W. Bush’s administration.

While her recent arrest has sparked public concern, many still remember Mary Lou Retton for her resilience, both as an athlete and in her personal health battles.