Olympic Legend Mary Lou Retton Arrested for DUI in West Virginia

Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton was arrested for driving under the influence in West Virginia earlier in the month, according to court records.

On May 17, Retton, 57, was charged with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs, per the Marion County court records. She was released after posting a bond of $1,500.

Retton’s arrest has become a national news story as of Tuesday, May 27. This is the first time the Fairmont, W.Va. native has made national news since it was revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia in 2023. At the time, he family told NBC that she was “fighting for her life” when she was placed in intensive care.

“This is serious, and this is life, and I’m so grateful to be here,” Retton said on NBC’s “Today” in 2024. “I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support,” she added.

Retton became “America’s sweetheart” during her gold medal-winning performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. A 16-year-old Retton scored perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault in the final two rotations of the event, making the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title.

Overall, Retton earned five medals that year – one gold, two silver and two bronze.

Since retiring from gymnastics, Retton has been traveling the world as a motivational speaker as well as an advocate for proper nutrition and exercise, especially for youth.

Stay with WV Sports Now for more on this developing story.