By Mantasha - May 27, 2025
Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton was arrested for DUI in West Virginia after being found parked in a business lot with signs of impairment, including slurred speech and glassy eyes. She refused tests and was charged before being released on bond. This comes after her public battle with severe pneumonia in 2023 that led to a crowdfunding campaign for medical expenses.
Mary Lou Retton via Yahoo News UK
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Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton was arrested in Fairmont, West Virginia, on May 17, 2025, for driving under the influence (DUI). The 57-year-old former gold medalist was taken into custody after police responded to reports of a vehicle driving erratically in the area. According to the police report, officers found Retton parked in a business lot in her Porsche, displaying visible signs of impairment. She allegedly had slurred speech, glassy eyes, and there was an open bottle of wine found in the passenger seat. She refused both a breathalyzer and blood test, resulting in a charge of DUI with refusal.
Retton was booked into the Marion County Jail and released later that day after posting a $1,500 bond. She is expected to appear in court later this summer. This arrest comes just two years after a widely publicized health scare in 2023, when Retton battled a rare and severe form of pneumonia. Her condition at the time left her hospitalized in intensive care, and her daughter launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover medical expenses, as Retton reportedly did not have health insurance. The campaign raised over $450,000, and Retton has since been recovering with lingering respiratory issues.
Mary Lou Retton rose to fame at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she became the first American woman to win an individual all-around gold medal in gymnastics. She became a national icon, appearing in commercials, television programs, and was named Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
As of now, Retton has not released a public statement regarding the arrest. Fans and former teammates have expressed concern, hoping the former Olympian receives the support she may need during this difficult time.