Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, once a national icon for her historic 1984 gymnastics victory, has been arrested in West Virginia for DUI and refusing a chemical test, marking a troubling turn just months after surviving a life-threatening illness.

Mary Lou Retton, one of the most celebrated figures in American sports history and a beloved symbol of Olympic excellence, has found herself at the center of a controversy that has stunned fans across the country.

The 57-year-old former gymnast was recently arrested in West Virginia on charges of driving under the influence, according to newly surfaced court records.

For someone long revered as a role model of discipline, success, and perseverance, the incident marks a dramatic and unsettling turn in her public narrative.

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The arrest took place on June 5 in Kanawha County, where Retton was formally charged with DUI and for refusing a chemical test—an offense that carries serious legal implications in many U.S. states.

She was released on bond later that same day, but is expected to appear in court in July.

The news quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread reaction from supporters and critics alike—many expressing sadness and disbelief that someone who once embodied the American dream could be facing such personal turmoil.

Mary Lou Retton is not just any former athlete. At just 16 years old, she made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles by becoming the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics.

That triumph, achieved during a time of high political tension between the U.S. and the Soviet bloc, was more than just a sports victory—it was a symbolic moment that resonated with national pride and international admiration.

Her radiant smile and confident wave after sticking her final landing became iconic images of American sporting history.

Following her early retirement from gymnastics, Retton remained active in the public eye. She became a motivational speaker, appeared in various television programs and commercials, and advocated for youth fitness and wellness.

More recently, she took part in the popular show “Dancing with the Stars” and continued to use her platform to promote physical health and positive lifestyle habits. Her wholesome, all-American image made her a trusted figure, even decades after her athletic career ended.

However, this is not the first time in recent months that Retton has made headlines for deeply personal reasons. In October 2023, her family disclosed that she had been battling a severe, life-threatening lung illness.

She spent weeks in intensive care, unable to breathe on her own, and her condition prompted a massive outpouring of public support.

A fundraising campaign set up by her daughters raised over $400,000 to help cover her medical expenses, a testament to how deeply she is cherished by fans and the wider community. For many, her recovery symbolized resilience and renewed hope.

Now, however, the DUI arrest casts a long shadow over that recovery, raising new questions about what may be happening behind the scenes in Retton’s personal life.

Neither she nor her representatives have issued a public statement following the arrest, but the situation has reignited broader conversations around the mental health challenges often faced by retired athletes.

Experts note that former elite competitors can struggle with identity loss, emotional instability, and difficulty adapting to life outside the structured and high-intensity environment of professional sports. In some cases, those struggles manifest in destructive behaviors.

Retton’s case appears to underscore these concerns. Known for her perseverance and poise under pressure, the woman who once represented the pinnacle of Olympic glory now faces a public reckoning.

For many, this is not just a story about a DUI—it’s about the human cost of fame, the complexities of life after the spotlight fades, and the urgent need for mental health support for former athletes.

Adding to the poignancy of the situation is the fact that the arrest occurred in her home state of West Virginia, where she was born and raised in the town of Fairmont. It’s a place where she still maintains deep personal and family ties.

That her arrest happened there—on what should be familiar and comforting ground—adds a layer of emotional weight to an already troubling episode.

For some, it’s a reminder that even heroes can falter, especially when they are far removed from the stages that once defined them.

For now, the legal process will continue to unfold, with her court appearance scheduled in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the public remains divided—some offering forgiveness and understanding, others expressing disappointment.

But one thing is clear: this incident has added a deeply human and vulnerable chapter to the story of a woman who once soared above the rest, both literally and figuratively.

Mary Lou Retton’s legacy, forged through incredible strength, dedication, and historic achievements, now faces an unexpected test. Whether this becomes a footnote in a remarkable life or a turning point remains to be seen.

What is certain, however, is that her story is no longer one of unbroken triumph, but one of complexity—marked by both soaring highs and very human lows.