Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated US Olympic gymnast, recently faced legal trouble when she was arrested for driving under the influence in West Virginia. At 57, Retton was charged on May 17, with court records confirming the offense involved alcohol or controlled substances.
Retton is most famous for her outstanding performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she earned two perfect 10 scores. This achievement made her a household name and the first American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal in gymnastics.
This year, Retton’s health took a serious turn. She was in the ICU battling a rare form of pneumonia, a situation her daughter, McKenna Kelley, highlighted on social media. Kelley urged followers for prayers and financial support, sharing that Retton had been struggling to breathe and lacked health insurance.
The stark contrast between Retton’s glory days in gymnastics and her current health crisis has sparked conversations online. Social media users have expressed concern and support, underlining the challenges faced by athletes after their competitive careers.
According to a recent survey by the National Institutes of Health, former athletes often encounter health and financial hurdles, revealing the need for better support systems for athletes post-retirement.
As Retton continues her fight for recovery, many are hoping for both her health and a compassionate response from the community. In times like this, it seems the resilience she showcased in gymnastics isn’t just for the gym but also for her journey ahead.
For more on Retton’s legal case and health updates, you can check the magistrate court records for details.