Newly released police bodycam footage shows Mary Lou Retton, the beloved Olympic gold medalist, appearing visibly distressed as she attempts to perform a sobriety test during a DUI arrest in May. The footage, obtained by Entertainment Tonight, captures the 57-year-old former gymnast interacting with officers from the Fairmont City Police Department in Marion County, West Virginia.

Retton, who famously won five medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics, was taken into custody on May 17 after officers discovered her sitting in her car in an AutoZone parking lot. A screw-top wine bottle was allegedly found in the front passenger seat, according to a criminal complaint cited by the Associated Press.

Visible Struggle During Sobriety Test

In the footage, Retton appears cooperative but clearly overwhelmed. At one point, she gasps, “Oh my God,” and has difficulty performing the standard field sobriety test. When instructed to lift one foot six inches off the ground and count, she struggles to maintain balance and count beyond nine.

Retton is also seen tying an oxygen tube to her nose mid-test, citing difficulty breathing. This aligns with her previous statements about ongoing respiratory issues following a life-threatening bout of pneumonia in 2023. In a PEOPLE interview earlier this year, she described her prolonged hospitalization and said doctors had once feared she might not survive.

“My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery,” she shared. “My physicality was the only thing I had, and it was taken away from me. It’s embarrassing.”

Legal Outcome and Public Apology

Retton later entered a no contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge, a standard option for first-time offenders in the jurisdiction. She was ordered to pay a $100 fine, the typical penalty for such offenses in Marion County.

Following the arrest, Retton issued a public apology through her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo, expressing remorse and a commitment to accountability.

“What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. To my family, friends, and my fans: I have let you down, and for that, I am deeply sorry,” her statement read.

Health Challenges and Personal Setbacks

Retton’s recent health struggles have played a significant role in her public life. In a July 2024 interview, she reflected on her near-death experience with pneumonia, which left her reliant on daily oxygen and facing a long road to recovery.

The Fairmont City Police Department has not commented publicly on the incident. As of publication, further legal proceedings or penalties appear unlikely due to her plea and the non-aggravated nature of the charge.

A Legacy Complicated, Not Erased

While this incident marks a difficult chapter for one of America’s most celebrated athletes, Retton’s legacy remains rooted in her historic achievements. The first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics, Retton became a national icon and later appeared on Dancing with the Stars.

Now, as she navigates health issues and personal accountability, her journey reflects the broader complexities of life after fame — a reminder that even heroes can falter.

Source: People – Mary Lou Retton’s Arrest Captured on Bodycam — Mugshots of Former Gold Medalist Released

The post Mary Lou Retton’s DUI Arrest Caught on Bodycam: Olympic Icon Seen Struggling Through Sobriety Test appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

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.

Source: FOX News – Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton arrested on DUI charge, records show

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