The gymnastics community and sports fans worldwide are reeling from shocking news that Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton was arrested on DUI charges in West Virginia. The beloved five-time Olympic medalist, who captivated America with her gold medal performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, now faces legal consequences that have tarnished her pristine reputation.
The Arrest Details
On May 17, 2025, Mary Lou Retton, 57, was arrested in Marion County, West Virginia, on charges of driving under the influence. According to court records and recently released police bodycam footage, the former gymnast was discovered in her vehicle at an AutoZone parking lot in Fairmont with a screw-top bottle of wine in her passenger seat.
The bodycam footage, released by the City of Fairmont Police Department, shows the American gymnastics icon struggling to complete field sobriety tests while using oxygen tubes. The video has gone viral across social media platforms, showing a stark contrast to the athletic prowess that made Retton a household name four decades ago.
Court Proceedings and Consequences
Following her arrest, Retton was released from jail after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. In a subsequent court hearing, the Olympic champion pleaded no contest to a non-aggravated DUI charge. She received a relatively light sentence of a $100 fine, though the damage to her reputation may prove far more costly.
The mugshot released by authorities shows a subdued Retton, a far cry from the beaming 16-year-old who became America’s sweetheart at the 1984 Olympics. The image has circulated widely online, adding to the public scrutiny surrounding the case.
Retton’s Response
In a statement to PEOPLE magazine, Retton addressed the incident directly: “I take full responsibility for my actions.” The brief statement represents her first public comment since news of the arrest broke, though it offers little insight into the circumstances that led to the DUI charge.
This legal trouble comes at a particularly challenging time for Retton, who has been dealing with ongoing health issues. In 2023, she faced a serious health crisis that required extensive medical treatment, leading to a controversial fundraising campaign that drew both support and criticism from the public.
Impact on Legacy
Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest represents a significant fall from grace for the sports icon who once embodied American athletic excellence. Her perfect 10 vault performance at the 1984 Olympics made her the first American woman to win Olympic gold in gymnastics, cementing her place in sports history.
The arrest has sparked discussions about celebrity accountability and the pressures faced by former athletes long after their competitive careers end. Social media has been buzzing with reactions ranging from disappointment to expressions of support for the struggling Olympic champion.
Looking Forward
As Mary Lou Retton navigates this legal setback, questions remain about how this incident will affect her legacy and future opportunities. The gymnastics community, which has rallied around her during previous health struggles, now faces the challenge of supporting a beloved figure who has made a serious error in judgment.
The DUI arrest serves as a reminder that even our greatest sports heroes are human, capable of making mistakes that can have lasting consequences. For Retton, the road to redemption will likely be longer and more challenging than any gymnastics routine she ever performed.
The story continues to develop as more details emerge, but one thing is certain: Mary Lou Retton’s arrest for DUI has forever changed how America views one of its most celebrated Olympic champions.