From Olympic Glory to a Public Fall: The Full Story

Mary Lou Retton, the iconic Olympic gymnast who captured America’s heart with her gold-medal performance in 1984, found herself in the headlines for a far different reason in 2025. On May 17, 2025, the 57-year-old was arrested in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence (DUI). The arrest, captured on bodycam footage, revealed a distressing scene of the former athlete struggling with sobriety tests and grappling with the consequences of her actions. This article delves into the complete story of Retton’s DUI arrest, her response, and the broader context of her life after the incident, as reported by multiple sources.

The Incident: A Reckless Drive in Fairmont

The chain of events began on the evening of May 17, 2025, when Fairmont police received a report of a grey Porsche with Texas plates driving erratically on the Gateway Connector toward downtown Fairmont. According to court documents, the vehicle was seen “driving all over the roadway,” prompting officers to intervene. Retton, listed as Retton-Kelly in the criminal complaint, was found in the driver’s seat of her Porsche in an AutoZone parking lot, with the engine still running. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her, and she was reportedly slurring her words. A screw-top bottle of wine was observed in the passenger seat, further raising suspicions.

Retton was asked to perform three standard field sobriety tests, all of which she failed, showing clear signs of impairment. When offered a breathalyzer test and a chemical blood test, she refused both, a decision that led to her immediate arrest for “driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.” She was booked in Marion County, West Virginia, and released the same day after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.

Bodycam Footage: A Distressing Encounter

Newly released bodycam footage, obtained by outlets like Entertainment Tonight and the Daily Mail, provides a sobering glimpse into Retton’s arrest. The 33-minute video shows Retton, visibly distressed, attempting to comply with police instructions during sobriety tests. In the first test, tracking an officer’s finger with her eyes, Retton struggled to keep her head still and made a lighthearted comment, saying, “I’m looking at your beautiful blue eyes.” During the walk-and-turn test, she failed to maintain heel-to-toe steps, and in the one-leg stand test, she struggled to balance, at one point exclaiming, “Oh, come on,” and “I just came to get my nails done.”

Retton’s distress was evident as she repeatedly muttered, “Oh my God,” and expressed shock at the possibility of jail time. When informed she had failed all three tests, she insisted, “No, I didn’t,” before being placed under arrest. Notably, the footage captured Retton using a nasal oxygen tube, a reminder of her ongoing health struggles from a 2023 battle with a rare form of pneumonia.

Retton’s Response: Taking Accountability

On June 10, 2025, Retton appeared in court and entered a no contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge, receiving a $100 fine, standard for first-time, non-aggravated offenses in West Virginia. Through her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo, she issued a public statement to PEOPLE and ABC News, taking full responsibility for her actions. “What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses,” Retton said. “To my family, friends and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”

Her attorney emphasized that Retton sought no special treatment and respected the legal process, expressing gratitude for the professionalism of the Fairmont City Police Department and the court system. Retton has since maintained a low profile, with her last social media post in November 2024 addressing the death of gymnastics coach Béla Károlyi.

A Troubled Context: Health Struggles and Public Scrutiny

Retton’s arrest comes less than two years after a life-threatening health crisis that made national headlines. In October 2023, her daughter McKenna Kelley revealed that Retton was hospitalized in the ICU with a rare form of pneumonia, fighting for her life. Doctors considered placing her on a ventilator as her oxygen levels plummeted, and her four daughters—Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma—prepared to say their goodbyes. Retton later told NBC’s TODAY in January 2024 that she “faced death in the eyes” and still relied on daily oxygen due to scarred lungs. “My physicality was the only thing I had, and it was taken away from me. It’s embarrassing,” she said.

The health crisis sparked a crowdfunding campaign led by her daughters, raising over $450,000 to cover medical expenses, as Retton claimed she lacked health insurance due to financial hardships following her divorce and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the campaign drew criticism, with some questioning the lack of transparency about her insurance status and how the funds were used. Retton defended her daughters, stating, “They were just trying to take care of me. You weren’t in that situation.” Any leftover funds were donated to the American Lung Association.

Adding to the complexity, Retton’s ex-brother-in-law, Shaun Kelley, spoke to The New York Post after the DUI arrest, expressing concern about her health. He noted that Retton’s ongoing lung issues and medications could cause a “chemical imbalance” with even one drink, potentially exacerbating her impairment. “She couldn’t even take a full breath when I talked to her, she takes these little panting breaths,” Kelley said, emphasizing that Retton has no history of alcohol abuse.

Public Reaction: Shock and Sympathy

The arrest of a beloved American sports icon shocked fans and sparked varied reactions. Posts on X reflected a mix of disbelief and humor, with one user joking, “There are very few things more American than Mary Lou Retton getting a DUI in West Virginia over Memorial Day Weekend. USA! USA! USA!” Others expressed concern, citing her recent health struggles and the crowdfunding controversy. “Y’all are the suckers and losers,” one user wrote, referencing the donations. Mainstream media, including ESPN, NBC News, and CBS Sports, covered the arrest extensively, focusing on Retton’s Olympic legacy and her recent challenges.

Retton’s Legacy: A Complicated Icon

Mary Lou Retton rose to fame at 16 during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal in gymnastics. Despite a knee injury requiring surgery weeks before, she earned two perfect 10s on vault and floor exercise, securing five medals total (one gold, two silver, two bronze). Her success, amplified by the Soviet boycott, made her a national hero, landing her on a Wheaties box and in roles on “Baywatch” and “Dancing with the Stars.” She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness under George W. Bush.

However, her post-Olympic life has not been without challenges. Her 2018 divorce from Shannon Kelley, financial struggles during the pandemic, and the 2023 pneumonia ordeal have kept her in the public eye. The DUI arrest adds another layer to her complex story, raising questions about her health, recovery, and future.

Moving Forward: A Path to Redemption

Retton’s commitment to “making positive changes” suggests a determination to move past this incident. Her attorney’s statement indicates she is focused on healing and maintaining privacy in West Virginia. As she navigates ongoing health issues, including long COVID and lung damage, Retton faces a lifetime of recovery, both physically and personally. For fans, the arrest is a stark reminder that even icons are human, capable of mistakes but also of growth.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest is a sobering chapter in the life of an American legend. From her Olympic triumphs to her recent struggles, her story resonates as one of resilience and redemption. As she works to rebuild, the public is reminded of the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of supporting those facing health and personal challenges. Stay updated on this story and more at NriGlobe.com. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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