Mary Lou Retton is An American retired gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, Mary captured the hearts of millions with her historic win in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Not only did she secure her place in gymnastics history, but she also became the first American woman to achieve this remarkable feat. However, as life has shown, even the brightest stars can face challenging times. Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating biography of Mary Lou Retton, her net worth in 2023, her loving relationship with her daughter, and her current health struggle.
Olympic Champion Mary Lou Retton in Critical Condition: Daughter Seeks Support for Medical Bills
According to her daughter McKenna Kelley’s Instagram post, retired Olympic gold medalist gymnast Mary Lou Retton is currently in a critical health situation. In a heartfelt post, Kelley has requested prayers and financial contributions to help alleviate the burden of her mother’s medical expenses.
Under the fundraising campaign titled “MaryLouRettonsFight,” hosted on the platform Spotfund, Kelley disclosed that Retton has been under intensive care in a hospital for over a week due to an extremely rare form of pneumonia. According to Kelley’s statement on the Spotfund page, her mother is currently unable to breathe independently. The family is seeking support from the public to help in this challenging time.
Mary Lou Retton Biography, Wiki
| Full Name | Mary Lou Retton |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1968 |
| Age | 55 years (as of 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Fairmont, West Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Retired Gymnast, Olympic Gold Medalist |
| Spouse | Shannon Kelley (1990–2017) |
| Children | Four daughters: McKenna, Shayla, Skyla, and Lexie |
| Height | 4 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 100 pounds |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-34 inches |
| Olympic Success | Gold Medalist at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (Individual All-Around) |
| Notable Honors | Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year (1984) |
| Business Ventures | Owner of a gymnastics academy and a line of fitness products |
| Philanthropy | Supporter of the American Pain Foundation and the Mary Lou Retton Foundation |
| Net Worth (2023) | Estimated $8 million |
Early life and childhood
Mary Lou Retton extraordinary journey began on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. From a very young age, her destiny seemed to be intertwined with gymnastics. At the tender age of 7, she commenced her gymnastics training, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring career. Her undeniable talent and unwavering dedication propelled her to become a national champion in 1983, marking the beginning of her rise to stardom.
Education
The pursuit of her gymnastic dreams led Mary Lou Retton to make some significant sacrifices. She did not graduate from high school in order to fully focus on her gymnastics training. Nevertheless, in 1994, she was honored with a high school diploma from Fairmont Senior High School. Mary Lou Retton quest for knowledge didn’t stop there, as she also pursued higher education at the University of Houston, where she studied communications.
Personal Life
While most people associate Mary Lou Retton with gymnastics, her personal life has been equally inspiring. Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and Houston real estate entrepreneur, is her husband. They are proud parents to four children: McKenna, Shayla, Skyler, and Lexie. Her path as a mother and wife demonstrates her dedication to both her family and her job.
Mary Lou Retton gymnastics career
Gymnastics training and career
Mary Lou Retton journey to Olympic gold was marked by unwavering determination and a grueling training regimen. In 1984, she moved to Houston, Texas, to train with Bela Karolyi, a renowned Romanian coach who had previously guided Nadia Comaneci to Olympic glory. This decision marked a pivotal moment in her career and set the stage for her historic triumph.
Olympic Success
The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will forever be etched in the annals of gymnastic history as the stage where Mary Lou Retton talent and hard work shone brightly. Her competition was fierce, with the Romanian team, led by the formidable Ecaterina Szabo, as her main rival. However, Retton determination and flawless performance in the final rotation, the vault, earned her a perfect 10, securing her the gold medal by a narrow margin.
Mary Lou Retton victory wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a moment of national pride and inspiration. She became a symbol of female empowerment in sports, and her influence inspired a generation of young girls to chase their dreams. This monumental achievement led to her being named the Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year in 1984, and she had the honor of becoming the first woman to grace the Wheaties cereal box.
Post-Olympic Career
Following her remarkable success at the 1984 Olympics, Mary Lou Retton retired from competitive gymnastics after the 1985 US National Championships. However, her journey was far from over. She transitioned into a successful career as a spokesperson, author, and advocate.
Mary Lou Retton has been a vocal advocate for various causes, including the American Pain Foundation, where she has shared her personal struggles with chronic pain. She is also a staunch supporter of women’s sports and youth development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent from a young age.
Mary Lou Retton net worth in 2023
In 2023, Mary Lou Retton estimated net worth stood at an impressive $8 million. Her diverse sources of income have contributed to this substantial fortune. Here are some of the key revenue streams that have contributed to her net worth:
- Endorsements: Over the years, Mary Lou Retton has lent her name and image to various products and services, including iconic endorsements like Wheaties cereal, AT&T, and Visa.
- Speaking Engagements: She is a sought-after speaker at corporate events and gatherings, where her inspiring stories and motivational messages continue to resonate with audiences.
- Books: Mary Lou Retton has penned several books, including “Mary Lou: A Golden Life” and “I’m Mary Lou Retton and I’m Here to Stay.” These literary works not only provide insight into her life but also contribute to her net worth.
- Television Appearances: Her visibility on television has remained consistent, with appearances in documentaries and shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Apprentice.”
- Business Ventures: Mary Lou Retton entrepreneurial spirit has led her to own a gymnastics academy and launch a line of fitness products, further diversifying her income sources.
Furthermore, Retton is a philanthropist at heart. She has generously donated to various charities, including the American Pain Foundation and the Mary Lou Retton Foundation, which support youth gymnastics programs. Her contributions go beyond the world of sports, extending into areas where she can make a positive impact on society.
Mary Lou Retton Daughter
Mary Lou Retton daughter, McKenna Kelley, is a shining star in her own right. She inherited her mother’s passion for gymnastics, embarking on her own journey in the sport.
McKenna began her gymnastics training at a young age, following in her mother’s footsteps with impressive success. As a junior gymnast, she clinched numerous state and regional championships, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2014, she was honored as the West Virginia Gymnast of the Year, a testament to her exceptional talent.
Her remarkable achievements earned her a scholarship to compete for Louisiana State University (LSU), where she represented the Tigers from 2015 to 2018. During her time at LSU, she was a part of the team that secured the NCAA Championship in 2017 and 2018, and she earned recognition as a two-time All-SEC selection.
After retiring from competitive gymnastics following the 2018 season, McKenna shifted her focus to academics. She is currently a student at LSU, where she is studying sports administration, highlighting her commitment to staying connected to the world of sports.
Mary Lou Retton has been a supportive and guiding presence in her daughter’s gymnastics journey, emphasizing the importance of allowing McKenna to follow her own dreams. In an interview with People magazine, Retton stated, “I’ve always told McKenna, ‘You don’t have to do this because I did it.’ But she loves the sport, and she’s good at it. So I’m there for her every step of the way.” This mother-daughter bond is a testament to the power of support and encouragement within families.
Mary Lou Retton Age, Height, Weight, and Body Measurement
| Age | 55 years (as of 2023) |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1968 |
| Height | 4 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 100 pounds |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-34 inches |
Mary Lou Retton physical attributes, including her petite stature and impressive dedication, played a pivotal role in her successful gymnastics career. She remains an enduring source of inspiration for athletes and fans worldwide.
Mary Lou Retton, husband, boyfriend
As of the latest available information, Mary Lou Retton is single and has not been publicly linked to any known boyfriend. Previously, she was married to Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and Houston real estate developer. Their marriage endured for 27 years, spanning from 1990 to 2017, during which time they welcomed four daughters: McKenna, Shayla, Skyla, and Emma.
In an interview with People magazine in 2020, Mary Lou Retton mentioned that while she is open to dating in the future, she is in no rush to enter a new relationship. Her focus seems to be on her family, her career, and her daughter’s well-being.
Mary Lou Retton Social Media Accounts
Mary Lou Retton maintains an active presence on social media, providing fans and followers with insights into her life, her advocacy, and her experiences. Here are her main social media accounts and their respective follower counts:
| Social Media Platform | Username | Followers | Link |
| marylouretton | 212,000 | ||
| @marylouretton | 168,000 | ||
| Mary Lou Retton | 152,000 |
Conclusion
Mary Lou Retton life story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. From her humble beginnings in Fairmont, West Virginia, to her historic victory at the 1984 Summer Olympics, she has left an indelible mark on the world of gymnastics and sports in general. Her dedication to her family, particularly her daughter, McKenna Kelley, serves as a heartwarming example of support and encouragement.
As we reflect on her life, achievements, and current circumstances, Mary Lou Retton continues to be a source of inspiration for athletes, parents, and individuals facing adversity. Her legacy is one of strength, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams. We wish her a full and speedy recovery in her current health battle and look forward to the continued impact of her story on generations to come.
Also Read : Celebrity Net Worth
 FAQs
Q: What illness does Mary Lou Retton have?
A: Mary Lou Retton is currently battling an extremely rare form of pneumonia, which has resulted in her being in intensive care at a hospital. This illness has made it challenging for her to breathe independently.
Q: How old was Mary Lou Retton when she was in the Olympics?
A: Mary Lou Retton was 16 years old when she achieved her historic victory at the 1984 Summer Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win the gold medal in the Individual All-Around gymnastics competition.
Q: Why is Mary Lou Retton fighting for her life?
A: Mary Lou Retton is fighting for her life due to a severe health condition caused by an extremely rare form of pneumonia. She has been in intensive care in a hospital, and her family has sought public support to help with her medical expenses.
Q: How much money did Mary Lou Retton make?
A: Mary Lou Retton estimated net worth in 2023 is approximately $8 million. Her income has been sourced from endorsements, speaking engagements, books, television appearances, business ventures, and her philanthropic activities.
Q: What does Mary Lou Retton do for a living?
A: Mary Lou Retton, in her post-Olympic career, has been involved in various activities. She is an entrepreneur, owning a gymnastics academy and a line of fitness products. She has also been a spokesperson, author, and advocate, particularly for the American Pain Foundation and women’s sports.
Q: What is Mary Lou Retton age?
A: Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, which makes her 55 years old as of 2023.
Q: Tell us about Mary Lou Retton family.
A: Mary Lou Retton is married to Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and Houston real estate developer. Together, they have four daughters: McKenna, Shayla, Skyler, and Lexie.
Q: What is Mary Lou Retton current illness?
A: Mary Lou Retton is currently battling an extremely rare form of pneumonia, which has required her to be in intensive care in a hospital.
Q: What is Mary Lou Retton net worth?
A: Mary Lou Retton estimated net worth in 2023 is approximately $8 million. Her diverse sources of income include endorsements, speaking engagements, books, television appearances, business ventures, and philanthropic activities.
Q: What is Mary Lou Retton occupation or profession?
A: Mary Lou Retton, in her post-Olympic career, has been involved in various activities. She is an entrepreneur, owning a gymnastics academy and a line of fitness products. She has also been a spokesperson, author, and advocate, particularly for the American Pain Foundation and women’s sports.
