Once hailed as America’s sweetheart and the embodiment of Olympic excellence, Mary Lou Retton is now back in the spotlight under far less triumphant circumstances. The 1984 gold medalist was arrested for driving under the influence in her West Virginia hometown, sparking a wave of concern—and reflection—on the complex chapters that have followed her athletic glory.
From Olympic Icon to Legal Trouble
The incident occurred on May 17, but news only broke recently after police released new details. According to court documents, officers responded to reports of a Porsche with Texas plates swerving erratically near the Gateway Connector in Fairmont, Retton’s hometown.
They later found the vehicle parked in an AutoZone lot, with Retton, 57, behind the wheel. Officers noted the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and visible impairment. Field sobriety tests confirmed their suspicions, and a screw-top bottle of wine was discovered on the passenger seat.
