FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton has been charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) after being arrested on May 17 in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia.

Police stopped Retton, 57, following reports of a Porsche being driven erratically. According to a criminal complaint, officers detected the smell of alcohol, noted that Retton was slurring her speech, and said she failed a field sobriety test. A container of wine was also seen in the passenger seat of her vehicle.

Retton declined both a roadside breathalyzer and a blood test. She was released after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. Her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo of Morgantown, has not responded to media requests for comment.

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A Storied Olympic Legacy

Mary Lou Retton became a national sensation during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. At just 16 years old, she captured America’s heart by becoming the first U.S. woman to win the all-around Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Her flawless routines earned her two silver and two bronze medals in addition to the all-around gold, making her the most decorated athlete of those games.

Retton went on to become a household name, appearing on Wheaties cereal boxes, endorsing brands, and inspiring generations of gymnasts. She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and competed on Season 27 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars in 2018.

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Ongoing Health Struggles

The DUI charge comes more than a year after Retton survived a serious health crisis. In 2023, she was hospitalized in intensive care with a rare form of pneumonia. Her condition was critical, and doctors considered putting her on a ventilator. She eventually recovered after weeks of treatment and oxygen therapy but continued to suffer from breathing issues well into 2024.

In a May 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Retton revealed, “I still have a hard time breathing and getting breath to speak. I haven’t been able to really work because I don’t know if I can get up on stage and do an hourlong talk like I’ve normally done for 40 years. That’s frustrating.”

Her daughters launched a public fundraiser during her hospitalization to help with medical bills, drawing both support and criticism. Retton later explained that she was uninsured at the time, saying, “My daughters stepped up to the plate and they saved my life.”

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Looking Ahead

As of now, Retton has not released a public statement regarding her arrest. Known for her resilience both in and out of competition, the gymnastics icon faces new challenges as she continues to deal with health complications and now legal issues stemming from the DUI charge.

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