Mary Lou Retton

Date of Birth: January 24, 1968

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Mary Lou Retton is an iconic American gymnast who made history as the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, Retton’s career took off in the early 1980s under the tutelage of famed coach Béla Károlyi. Her crowning achievement came at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she won five medals: a gold in the individual all-around, two silver (team and vault), and two bronze (uneven bars and floor exercise). Retton’s success made her a national hero and a symbol of excellence and determination. Retton retired from competitive gymnastics after the 1984 Olympics but remained a prominent figure in the sports world. She has worked as a motivational speaker, appeared in various television shows, and served as a commentator for gymnastics events. Her enduring legacy includes being inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.

5 Interesting Facts about Mary Lou Retton

1. Mary Lou Retton was the first female gymnast from outside Eastern Europe to win the Olympic all-around title.

2. She appeared on the Wheaties cereal box, making her the first female athlete to earn this honor.

3. Retton underwent knee surgery just five weeks before the 1984 Olympics, yet still managed to compete and win.

4. She has four daughters, all of whom have pursued athletics.

5. Retton was a contestant on the 27th season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Lou Retton

1. “A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.”

2. “Heat is required to forge anything. Every great accomplishment is the story of a flaming heart.”

3. “As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we’ve been given.”

4. “Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit.”

5. “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At her peak, Mary Lou Retton’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million.

Children

Mary Lou Retton has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. All of her children have been involved in athletics, with McKenna Kelley following in her footsteps as a gymnast.