Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast who gained fame for her exceptional performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, along with two silver and two bronze medals.
She became the first American woman to achieve this feat in Olympic gymnastics, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the sport.
Retton’s success and impact extended beyond her athletic achievements, as she was named Sportswoman of the Year and became an iconic American sporting figure.
Her journey, from training under renowned coaches to overcoming injuries and achieving historic victories, has left a lasting legacy in the world of gymnastics.
Net worth | $2 million |
Profession | Retired gymnast |
Date of birth | January 24, 1968 |
Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Retton, born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, became the first American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, achieving this milestone at the age of 16.
Her journey in gymnastics began with dance and acrobatics at the age of four, followed by gymnastics training at five.
In 1983, she moved to Houston, Texas, to train with Bela Karolyi, a coach who played a pivotal role in shaping her revolutionary gymnastics style that emphasized speed, accuracy and power over traditional balletic movements.
Retton’s exceptional performance at the 1984 Olympics, including perfect scores in the floor exercise and vault, propelled her to victory in the all-around competition.
Net worth
Retton’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, as reported by various sources. net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, as reported by various sources.
Dspite some claims suggesting a range of $2 to $8 million, the most consistent figure is $2 million. some claims suggesting a range of $2 to $8 million, the most consistent figure is $2 million.
This net worth reflects her financial standing, including property, investments, and potential future income from contracts and endorsements.
It’s important to note that net worth doesn’t always directly correlate with immediate liquidity or the ability to afford healthcare, as seen in Retton’s case where she had to crowdfund for medical care despite her reported net worth.
Her financial situation has been a topic of interest due to her daughter’s revelation about her lack of health insurance, leading to public support through fundraising efforts.
Retton’s journey from Olympic success to personal challenges highlights the complexities of financial management and healthcare accessibility even for well-known figures.
Endorsement deals
Retton has been involved in numerous commercial endorsements throughout her career.
She was the first female athlete to be featured on the front of a Wheaties box, a significant achievement that boosted Wheaties sales.
Retton’s endorsement deals extended to various products, including bowling, shampoo and youth sports programs for McDonald’s.
She also endorsed Vidal Sassoon hair-care products and became a spokesperson for Wheaties breakfast cereal.
Additionally, Retto endorsed a line of girls’ sportswear by Dobie Originals and promoted physical fitness toys for girls by Hasbro Bradley.
Her commercial success was not limited to products but also included appearances in films and TV shows, showcasing her versatility beyond gymnastics.
Retton’s endorsements and spokesperson roles reflected her widespread appeal and influence, making her a prominent figure in the world of sports marketing and commercial partnerships.
McDonald’s deal
She signed an endorsement deal with McDonald’s to be the spokesperson for their youth sports programs.
This partnership was part of her broader involvement in commercial endorsements, where she promoted products and initiatives beyond the realm of gymnastics.
Retton’s collaboration with McDonald’s aimed to support youth sports and encourage physical activity among children, aligning with her image as a role model for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
This deal with McDonald’s, along with her other endorsements, showcased Retton’s influence and reach in inspiring individuals, especially young people, to lead active and healthy lifestyles through engaging programs and partnerships.
Hasbro Bradley gig
Retton had an endorsement deal with Hasbro Bradley, a company that produced physical fitness toys for girls.
This partnership was part of her broader involvement in commercial endorsements, where she promoted products and brands beyond the realm of gymnastics.
Retton’s collaboration with Hasbro Bradley likely aimed to encourage physical activity and fitness among young girls, aligning with her image as a role model for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
This deal with Hasbro Bradley, along with her other endorsements, showcased his influence and reach in inspiring individuals, especially young girls, to lead active and healthy lifestyles through engaging products and initiatives.
1984 Summer Olympics
Retton made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles by becoming the first American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.
Despite facing challenges like a knee injury that required surgery just five weeks before the Olympics, she showcased exceptional skill and determination.
In the all-around competition, she trailed the Romanian gymnast Ecaterina Szabo by a mere 0.05 points going into the final rotation.
To secure the gold, Retton needed a perfect score of 10 on the vault, which she achieved flawlessly with an exceptionally difficult Tsukahara vault—a twisting layout back somersault.
This victory not only earned her the gold in the all-around competition but also led the U.S. women’s team to a silver medal, marking their first team medal since 1948.
Retton’s outstanding performance, characterized by speed, accuracy, and power, revolutionized women’s gymnastics and solidified her status as a legendary athlete in American sports history.
Other achievements
Retton achieved notable success at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she made history as the first American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.
Her outstanding performance included winning the gold medal in the women’s all-around gymnastics competition, where she achieved a perfect score on the vault.
This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time a female gymnast outside Eastern Europe had won this event.
Additionally, Retton led the U.S. women’s team to a silver medal, the country’s first in gymnastics since 1948, and also secured individual medals in the vault (silver), uneven parallel bars (bronze) and floor exercise (bronze).
Her revolutionary gymnastics style, characterized by speed, accuracy and power, transformed women’s gymnastics and solidified her place as an iconic figure in American sports history.
Accolades
Retton has garnered numerous accolades throughout her illustrious gymnastics career, particularly highlighted by her exceptional performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
She made history by becoming the first American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the Olympics.
Retton’s success extended to winning two silver medals and two bronze medals at the same Olympics, making her one of the most popular athletes in the United States.
Her five medals at the 1984 Olympics were the most won by any athlete at the event, solidifying her status as a gymnastics legend.
Beyond her Olympic achievements, Retton’s impact on American women’s gymnastics is profound, as she paved the way for subsequent athletes like Carly Patterson, Nastia Liukin, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles to achieve similar feats.
Her historic performances, radiant smile, and enthusiasm earned her recognition as Sports Illustrated Magazine’s Sportswoman of the Year in 1984 and the title of Amateur Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press.
Retton’s legacy in gymnastics remains unparalleled, inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike.
Appearances on films and TV shows
Retton has made notable appearances in various television shows and films throughout her career.
She has been a guest on sitcoms, talk shows and reality competitions, showcasing her versatility beyond gymnastics.
Additionally, Retton has been featured on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box, a prestigious tradition that honors exceptional athletes in their respective sports.
After retiring from competitive gymnastics following the 1984 Olympics, she transitioned into a successful post-gymnastics career as a television personality, motivational speaker and product endorser.
Retton’s involvement in television and media extended to commentating on major gymnastics events, providing insightful analysis and commentary.
Her presence on television has not only highlighted her athletic achievements but also demonstrated her ability to inspire and engage audiences through various platforms, solidifying her status as a multifaceted figure in the world of entertainment and sports.
Mary Lou Retton divorce
Retton’s divorce from her husband Shannon Kelley in 2018 was a significant event that garnered public attention.
The couple, who had been married for 28 years, decided to part ways, with Retton filing for divorce in November 2017.
The divorce proceedings involved issues related to custody of their four children, including Shayla, McKenna, Skyla and Emma.
Despite the challenges associated with the divorce, Retton and Kelley managed to reach a mediated settlement agreement in February 2018, which marked the conclusion of their marriage.
This divorce marked a new chapter in Retton’s life, highlighting the personal changes and adjustments she had to navigate following the end of her long-term marriage.
Divorce settlement
Retton’s divorce settlement in 2018 with her ex-husband Shannon Kelley was reported to be nearly $2 million.
This settlement came to light amid a health crisis where Retton faced significant medical expenses due to a rare form of pneumonia.
Despite the substantial settlement from her divorce and other financial resources, including proceeds from property sales and a lawsuit settlement, Retton found herself in a situation where she struggled to afford necessary medical care.
This financial challenge led to a crowdfunding campaign initiated by her family to help cover her medical bills, which exceeded expectations by raising close to $460,000.
The circumstances surrounding Retton’s divorce settlement and subsequent financial struggles highlight the complexities individuals may face in managing unexpected healthcare costs despite having received significant financial assets from legal settlements.
Family
Retton is the mother of four daughters: Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, McKenna Lane Kelley, Skyla Kelley and Emma Jean Kelley.
She shares these daughters with her former husband, Shannon Kelley.
All four daughters have been involved in gymnastics, with three of them continuing in the sport while one pursued cheerleading.
Retton’s children have been supportive of her endeavors post-retirement, including her appearances on television shows like Glee and Dancing with the Stars.
In October 2023, Mary Lou faced a health scare due to a rare form of pneumonia, which led to an outpouring of support from her family and fans.
Despite the challenges, her daughters have been by her side, sharing updates on her progress and expressing gratitude for the love and support received during her recovery journey.
Illness and fundraiser
Retton faced a health crisis after being diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia, which led to her hospitalization and a challenging battle for her life.
Due to her medical condition and the lack of health insurance, her daughters, McKenna and Shayla, initiated a fundraising campaign to help cover her substantial medical expenses.
The fundraiser, launched on platforms like Spotfund, quickly gained traction and surpassed its initial goal, raising over $400,000 from generous donors, including a significant contribution from American businessman Mattress Mack and his wife.
The outpouring of support from fans, followers, and organizations like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee highlighted the widespread impact of Retton’s health battle and the community’s willingness to rally behind her during this difficult time.
Despite the challenges she faced, the success of the fundraiser not only alleviated the financial burden on Retton and her family but also demonstrated the power of collective support and compassion in times of need.