Mary Lou Retton, first American woman to win all-around gymnastics gold, arrested for DUI in West Virginia

Mary Lou Retton, the 1984 Olympic gymnastics champion who captivated America with her historic gold medal win, was arrested on May 17, 2025, in Marion County, West Virginia, for driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.

The 57-year-old was released the same day after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. As of now, Retton has not issued a public statement regarding the DUI charge.

The DUI case

According to court documents, Retton was stopped by Fairmont police following reports of a Porsche being driven erratically. Officers noted the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and observed an open container of wine on the passenger seat. She refused to undergo a blood alcohol test and failed three field sobriety tests, all indicating impairment.

Previous health issues

This incident comes less than two years after Retton's widely publicized health crisis. She was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia in October 2023, spending weeks in intensive care. Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, revealed at the time that Retton was uninsured and "fighting for her life." A crowdfunding campaign raised over $450,000 to cover medical expenses.

In an interview on NBC's "Today" show, Retton, appearing with an oxygen tube, recounted the ordeal, stating, "There was a time when they were about to put me on life support." She attributed her lack of insurance to financial constraints following her divorce and numerous pre-existing conditions, including over 30 orthopedic surgeries.

Despite her recovery, Retton continues to face health challenges, including long-term lung damage and reliance on daily oxygen support. She described herself as a "medical mystery" due to ongoing breathing difficulties.

Retton's arrest marks a somber chapter in the life of a figure once celebrated as "America's Sweetheart." Her 1984 Olympic performance, achieved just weeks after knee surgery, made her the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics, earning her five medals in total.