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On May 17, 2025, Mary Lou Retton, one of America's most iconic Olympians, was arrested in Marion County, West Virginia, on a DUI charge. Court records from the West Virginia Magistrate Court confirm the 57-year-old was charged with "driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs." She was released the same day after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond set by Magistrate Melissa Linger.
The arrest adds a troubling chapter to Retton's recent public narrative. Known for her groundbreaking gold medal win in the all-around gymnastics competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics, Retton became a symbol of American athletic excellence. Her two perfect 10s and courageous comeback from knee surgery turned her into a national icon. But four decades later, headlines are focused not on her athletic feats but on her legal battles.
This DUI incident comes less than two years after Retton faced a critical health scare. In October 2023, her daughter, McKenna Kelley, revealed via Instagram that Retton was fighting for her life in an ICU due to a rare form of pneumonia. "She is not able to breathe on her own... she is not insured," Kelley stated, prompting a wave of public sympathy and financial support. The crowdfunding campaign raised over $200,000, but also drew criticism over the absence of basic health coverage for a celebrated athlete.
Retton later described her ICU experience to People, recalling a moment when doctors warned her daughters she might not survive. "McKenna said, 'Mommy, it's OK, you can go.' I didn't have much of a relationship with my mother, but I can't imagine what that was like, to watch their mom on her deathbed," Retton said. Though she recovered, she admitted, "My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery."
The DUI arrest is not merely a legal issue—it may be a sign of deeper struggles. Substance-related offenses often reflect ongoing personal battles, especially for public figures dealing with health complications, aging, and public pressure.
The Olympian, once a symbol of resilience, now stands at a difficult crossroads. What began as a golden legacy now faces scrutiny in a different arena—one that demands accountability, reflection, and perhaps, redemption.
