Legendary Gymnast Breaks Silence After Shocking Arrest

Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton is speaking out for the first time since her arrest for driving under the influence—and she’s not sugarcoating anything.

The 57-year-old former gymnast released a statement through her attorney, admitting fault and expressing deep regret over the incident. “I take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. To my family, friends, and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry.”

Retton, who made history as America’s first woman to win Olympic all-around gold in 1984, added that she’s committed to turning things around. “I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”

She appeared in court on June 10, where she entered a no contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge and was fined $100—standard for first-time offenses in that area.

According to court records, Retton was arrested on May 17 in Fairmont, West Virginia, after reports of a Porsche swerving on the road. When officers found her parked at an AutoZone, they say she had a screw-top bottle of wine in the passenger seat, was slurring her words, and refused a blood alcohol test. She failed three field sobriety tests at the scene, according to local outlet WDTV.

Retton was charged with DUI and released later that day on a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.

The incident marks another difficult chapter in what’s already been a challenging year for the former Dancing with the Stars contestant. In late 2023, Retton was hospitalized with a rare and life-threatening form of pneumonia. She spent time in the ICU and, at one point, couldn’t breathe on her own. Her daughter McKenna publicly revealed that Retton had no health insurance and launched a fundraising campaign to cover the mounting medical bills.

In an interview earlier this year, Retton reflected on that harrowing experience: “God wasn’t ready for me yet,” she said. “But my life will never be the same again. My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery. My physicality was the only thing I had and it was taken away from me. It’s embarrassing.”

Now, with her DUI arrest behind her, Retton has asked for privacy as she focuses on healing—again, both physically and personally.

She shares four daughters with ex-husband Shannon Kelley and remains one of the most recognized names in American sports history.