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Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Pleads No Contest to DUI Charge
Former Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton has pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in West Virginia stemming from a May 17th arrest. Retton’s mugshot, released this week, shows the former gymnast looking somber.
Retton’s attorney, Edmund J. Rollo, confirmed the plea, stating that she received a standard $100 fine, in line with sentencing guidelines for first-time, non-aggravated offenses in the jurisdiction. He emphasized that Retton sought no special treatment and cooperated fully with the legal process.
In a previous statement, Retton took full responsibility for her actions, expressing remorse and apologizing to her family, friends, and fans. She described the incident as “completely unacceptable” and pledged to learn from the experience.
Retton, dubbed “America’s Sweetheart” after winning the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, has remained a public figure, advocating for health and fitness. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under President George W.
Bush. More recently, Retton battled a serious bout of pneumonia that required intensive care, an experience she later described as life-altering.