Mary Lou Retton DUI Arrest: Latest News
Mary Lou Retton, the iconic Olympic gymnast, finds herself in the spotlight again, but this time it’s due too a DUI arrest in West Virginia on May 17th.The 57-year-old, celebrated for her 1984 Olympic gold medal and status as “America’s Sweetheart,” allegedly failed sobriety tests. This arrest adds another layer of complexity to a recent period marked by significant health issues and financial strain. The criminal complaint suggests Retton refused breathalyzer tests after a traffic stop. News Directory 3 is following this case, which comes after Retton battled pneumonia in 2022 and faced financial hardship. Learn how this story unfolds, and discover what’s next.
Mary Lou Retton, Olympic Gymnast, Arrested for DUI in West Virginia
updated May 28, 2025
Mary Lou retton, the celebrated U.S. Olympic gymnast, faces driving under the influence charges following her arrest earlier this month in her hometown. The 57-year-old retton, a gold medalist and “America’s Sweetheart,” was taken into custody in Fairmont, WV, on May 17.
According to court documents, Retton was released on a $1,500 bond the same day.She has not yet entered a plea. The arrest compounds a challenging period for Retton,who has faced significant health and financial difficulties in recent years.
The criminal complaint alleges that Retton refused breathalyzer and blood tests after police stopped her texas-registered Porsche. Officers reported she failed a sobriety test, slurred her speech, and the vehicle contained an open container of wine. They also noted the smell of alcohol.
Retton achieved international stardom at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. Her success led to endorsements, including appearances on Wheaties boxes, and being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year. She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 2022, Retton battled a rare form of pneumonia, spending nearly two weeks in intensive care. A subsequent online fundraiser revealed she lacked health insurance, raising over $500,000 to cover her medical expenses. Retton later disclosed in an NBC interview that she had been struggling financially since her 2018 divorce and the COVID-19 pandemic, and was still using supplemental oxygen.
What’s next
Retton’s legal team has been contacted for comment. The case is ongoing, and further court dates are pending.