American icon Mary Lou Retton, who is known for her Olympic triumph and grit, faced an uncomfortable situation when she was arrested for DUI in her home state of West Virginia.
The 57-year-old champion who made history as the first American woman to win gold in gymnastics now faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.
This shocking fall from grace comes less than two years after Americans rallied to help the uninsured Olympian with nearly $500,000 in medical bills.
Court records show Retton was arrested in Marion County and subsequently released on a $1,500 bond.
The specific circumstances surrounding her arrest have not been disclosed, and Retton’s representatives have remained silent despite multiple media requests for comment.
Retton skyrocketed to fame during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she captured America’s heart by winning five medals – one gold, two silver, and two bronze.
Her achievement made her the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics, a feat that instantly transformed her into a national icon.
Unlike today’s woke sports figures who often use their platform to push leftist agendas, Retton represented traditional American values throughout her career.
After retirement in 1986, she served on President George W. Bush’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition in 2004.
She was also inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and became the first woman inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
Two years ago, Retton faced a severe health crisis when she contracted what her daughter described as “a very rare form of pneumonia.”
The Olympic champion was hospitalized and spent time in intensive care, with her daughter stating she was “fighting for her life.”
Although the mainstream media largely ignored the story of an American hero struggling for survival, everyday patriots stepped up to help.
One troubling aspect of Retton’s medical emergency was her lack of health insurance.
Despite being one of America’s most celebrated Olympians, Retton was unable to obtain affordable health coverage due to pre-existing conditions from numerous surgeries.
Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton arrested on DUI charge in West Virginia https://t.co/k7fmJTZORt pic.twitter.com/GLnzjE2BsT
— Page Six (@PageSix) May 27, 2025
Through crowdfunding, supporters raised nearly $500,000 to cover her medical expenses.
“I faced death in the eyes,” Retton said after recovering from her illness.
The use of those donated funds later came under scrutiny when Retton’s family provided limited transparency about how the money was spent.
They eventually stated that leftover funds would go to charity, but no further details were provided, raising questions about accountability that the mainstream media has been reluctant to investigate.
Retton’s current legal troubles starkly contrast with her image as America’s sweetheart.
From Wheaties box cover model and Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year in 1984 to facing DUI charges in 2025, her journey reflects how quickly fortunes can change, even for the most celebrated heroes.
