Mary Lou Retton admits DUI after arrest in West Virginia
- Mary Lou Retton was arrested for DUI on May 17 after performing poorly on sobriety tests.
- She entered a no-contest plea and was fined $100 for the offense, taking full responsibility for her actions.
- Retton is committed to learning from her experience and moving forward towards personal and professional growth.
In May, Mary Lou Retton, a former U.S. Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, faced a DUI charge following her arrest in West Virginia. The incident took place on May 17 when local police stopped her and noted she appeared distressed while attempting sobriety tests. Video footage from police body cameras showcased Retton's shock and struggle during these tests as she informed officers of her Olympic status. According to court records, she was charged with one count of driving under the influence and later posted a personal recognizance bond of $1,500 before being released from custody. Retton later accepted full responsibility for her actions and issued an apology through her attorney, expressing a commitment to learn from the experience. She stated, "I take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable" and she expressed gratitude for her supporters' encouragement. Following her no-contest plea, Retton was fined $100 as per jurisdiction guidelines for a first-time, non-aggravated DUI offense. Her attorney emphasized that she did not seek special treatment and complied with legal proceedings like any other individual. The DUI incident followed a challenging period for Retton, who had experienced a significant health crisis due to double pneumonia in 2023, which left her reliant on oxygen for recovery. In responding to the police, she noted her battle with this illness when discussing her state during the sobriety test. The bodycam footage captured Retton's comments about her past health struggles, revealing her distress and disbelief over the situation as she noted to an arriving acquaintance, “They think I’m drunk.” Retton, who gained fame as “America’s sweetheart” during her gold medal-winning performance in the 1984 Summer Games, has expressed a desire to reflect on this incident as a transformative experience. As she navigates the aftermath of her charge, her journey highlights the challenges of personal accountability and the public scrutiny that accompanies fame.